Menopause Training Partner Based in Manchester

Laura McIntosh

Menopause awareness matters because its impact extends far beyond physical symptoms and can significantly affect confidence, wellbeing, workplace performance, and career progression. From my own experience of surgical menopause following preventative surgery as a BRCA1 gene carrier, I understand first-hand how symptoms such as severe brain fog can affect day-to-day work and leave individuals questioning their capabilities and future.This was not the future I had imagined at 39 and certainly didn’t fit the stereotypes and assumptions about menopause that I had grown up believing.

Greater awareness and understanding helps employees feel understood and supported rather than isolated or struggling in silence. It enables managers to recognise the potential impact of symptoms and respond with empathy, confidence, and practical support. For organisations, creating a menopause-aware culture can improve wellbeing, retention, engagement, and inclusion. Menopause is not just a personal health issue; it is a workplace issue that deserves greater understanding and support.

One of the biggest gaps in workplace support is knowledge and understanding. Many people, including managers and colleagues, have limited awareness of the range and severity of menopause symptoms and the impact they can have on an individual’s working life. Menopause is still too often viewed solely as a women’s health issue rather than an organisational issue that can affect wellbeing, productivity, confidence, and career development.

There is also a continued lack of open conversation. Stigma and misunderstanding can prevent people from seeking support, leading some to reduce their hours, step back from opportunities, or even leave employment altogether. Better awareness, education, and practical workplace adjustments can make a significant difference to both individual experiences and organisational culture.

I bring a combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and a genuine passion for education and advocacy. Following surgical menopause, I left hospital with little information, no HRT support, and limited understanding of what lay ahead. The impact on my health, wellbeing, confidence, and career was profound, which inspired me to learn more and support others.

Alongside my background in programme development, I played a key role in supporting and driving Manchester City Council’s journey to becoming the first local authority in Greater Manchester to achieve Menopause Friendly Accreditation. This experience has provided valuable insight into the practical steps organisations can take to create inclusive, supportive environments where people experiencing menopause can thrive. 

To enquire about booking training with Laura: lisa@hormonesontheblink.com

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