All Things Menopause (IHSE)

All Things Menopause- a safe space to listen, discuss and learn.

Guest Speaker is Bee Macpherson, Associate Professor of Clinical Education, Leeds University

I have a passion for promoting equality, belonging and helping empower others to make the right choices for their holistic health. At 42 I started experiencing a wide range of physical, physiological, and psychological perimenopausal symptoms which left me feeling at odds with myself. At this time, no one was talking about menopause which left me feeling isolated and it was clear to me that menopause and its potential impact is one of the last health taboos and an occupational health issue. I decided I could not be the only person within the organisation to be experiencing perimenopause in this way so led a strategic innovation within the organisation I work, to influence how menopause is viewed and provided for at a policy level. I admit that I felt quite vulnerable in doing this, but my desire to make things better for people was slightly greater than my fear of vulnerability, I believe there can be strength in vulnerability. The menopause is not (just) a women’s issue and I have been working for the past 7 years to raise awareness of menopause, the potential impact on personal and professional life and to change cultures so conversations about menopause are normalised and not taboo. I have written menopause guidance, as everyone needs to understand menopause and its potential impact. I facilitate monthly workshops for staff and managers and ‘menopause for thought’ cafes for peer support. Impact of this work is creation of a safe and supportive space affording people the opportunity to be heard and develop knowledge and skills in menopause support.

I have been an invited speaker at a number of events, including Health Education England Yorkshire and Humber Deanery. I teach menopause to medical students and am working with Leeds Health Care Partnership to improve understanding and support within the LGBTQIA+ community. My personal focus, leadership and research is around menopause as a health and well-being issue and pedagogy of menopause.

I have 35 years’ experience within the NHS and Higher Education. As an expert clinical educationalist I have developed curriculum, educational strategy and am skilled facilitator of workshops where everyone is welcome, irrespective of age or gender.

I live in North Yorkshire and love going on adventures in ‘the truck’ and spending time in nature, usually on top of a mountain or in a river, finding this alchemical.

Host or Publisher Nyree Myatt