After years of silence, the menopause has gone mainstream. However, the influx of information and misinformation can be overwhelming and confusing, and there is no 'one size fits all' solution. With approximately 13 million women in the UK either peri or post-menopausal, it's vital we sort the fact from the fiction and continue the menopause conversation in our homes, in our workplaces, in the media and in parliament.

'Menopause: Continuing the Conversation', a news-style programme co-produced by the British Menopause Society and ITN Business, aims to cut through the noise to give straight talking, clear information and advice. The programme continues the conversations started in 2021, to move forward, looking at more than just HRT - taking a holistic look from lifestyle to changes in workplace policy to support and empower women embarking on the perimenopause and beyond.

From menopause news stories andmisinformation, to nutrition, workplace policies and HRT, broadcaster and journalist, Louise Minchin presents 'Menopause: Continuing the Conversation', facilitating open and honest conversations with health professionals, thought leaders, scientists and employers on this previously taboo subject.

Louise is joined in the ITN London studios by Menopause Matters Founder, Gynaecologist and British Menopause Society Trustee, Dr Heather Currie MBE, who cuts through the misinformation with some straight-talking advice and The British Nutrition Foundation's Science Director, Sara Stanner, discusses how holistic health can play a role in managing the menopause. The programme also looks at why HRT isn't an option for everyone and features a film with a woman living with a breast cancer diagnosis who is having to turn to alternatives to help alleviate her symptoms.

The programme features reporter-led sponsored editorial case study films from partners:

• Accenture - With women of menopausal age the fastest growing group in the workforce, Accenture are making impressive moves in a bid to retain its most important asset, its people.


• Aldermore Group - With 1 in 4 women experiencing severe debilitating menopause symptoms, Aldermore Group are on a journey to de-stigmatise talking about menopause.


• Aston University - According to reports, 48% of full-time and 67% part-time staff in UK universities are women, which is why it is vital that Aston University is fostering a workplace culture where it's okay to for employees to talk about the menopause.


• AXA - Having started an initiative to empower women in their careers at every stage of life, AXA UK are creating a culture of understanding, trust, respect and belonging.


• Boots - Supporting their menopausal team members with initiatives to raise awareness, all while continuing to expand menopause support and treatment for the general public.


• Cadent - In the traditionally male dominated sector, Cadent Gas are creating an environment that champions the menopause and women's health issues.


• FSCS - Are supporting staff in being as effective as possible, both personally and professionally, offering a range of menopause assistance to their staff.


• Lloyds Banking Group - By putting menopause at the forefront of their wellbeing approach, Lloyds Banking Group are implementing support so everyone experiencing it directly, indirectly and those yet to go through it, benefit.


• NatWest - As part of a larger, holistic approach to wellbeing, NatWest Group is partnering with Peppy Health to provide app-based menopause support to all employees and their partners.


• Nuchido Laboratories - Scientist have recently found that the menopause contributes to the acceleration of the ageing process - Dr Nichola Conlon is on a mission to educate us on the science behind the symptoms.


• Partners& - With an already impressive awareness programme in place, Partners& are now working to increase support and awareness across a multitude of sectors.


• Peninsula - With an increase of 44% in employment tribunals that cited menopause, The Peninsula Group say that adopting menopause best practice reduces risk of pay out and losing valuable employees.


• Queen Elizabeth King's Lynn Hospital Foundation - Hot flushes, anxiety and memory loss can be alarming, but imagine these symptoms coinciding with the start of the pandemic while on the frontline in head-to-toe PPE.


• UCB - Due to a drop in oestrogen levels, women are more likely to break bones. The Royal Osteoporosis Society discuss the importance of looking after our bones.


• Utility Warehouse - To support over 300 female employees going through a biological transition in the workplace. Utility Warehouse are creating more opportunities and providing flexible working hours.

Sara Moger, CEO of British Menopause Society said: "The focus on menopause - amongst women and their partners, health professionals, the media, businesses and Government - has increased significantly over the last three years. It's encouraging that so many companies, organisations and individuals are at last waking up to menopause and the impact it may have on a woman's life, affecting work, relationships and social lives. As 13 million women are going through the menopause or perimenopause in the UK right now, it's so important that they have access to accurate, science-based health information, together with the help and support they need. Let's continue the conversation, on World Menopause Day and beyond."

Nina Harrison-Bell, Head of ITN Business, said: "Having seen the conversations sparked from our previous programme with the British Menopause Society, we know just how important it is to keep menopause firmly on everyone's agenda. We are proud to be part of the effort to ensure people can speak openly and honestly about menopause and equip women with the information they need to undertake this natural journey."

Watch the full programme and special features here worldmenopauseday-thebms.org.uk/