Why Women’s Health Must Be A Priority This IWD

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action‘, is a powerful call to address the inequalities that still hold women back and to speed up progress. When it comes to women’s healthcare, particularly around perimenopause and menopause, there has never been a more urgent need to do exactly this.

With over 1 billion women set to experience menopause globally by 2025 (UN Women), this life stage is something that affects half the population – yet conversations around it are still often shrouded in stigma, confusion, and misinformation.

Women are living and working longer, adding huge value to business, whilst navigating a life transition that’s been woefully under researched and supported. If we fail to acknowledge this and support these women everyone loses.

The Hidden Health Gap

For too long, women’s hormonal health has been overlooked. Perimenopause – when hormone fluctuations begin and before periods stop – can start as early as late 30’s (and even earlier for some) and typically lasts between 4-8 years (although this figure is hugely variable and under researched). Despite this, many women don’t recognise what they are experiencing, leaving them feeling confused, isolated, and unsupported.

Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, weight gain, mood swings and heavy and erratic periods can have a huge impact on daily life. Research shows that 80% of women experience menopausal symptoms, with 25% suffering symptoms so severe that they interfere with their ability to function (British Menopause Society).

Yet, even with these staggering statistics, only 30% of UK women seek medical advice for menopause – often because they don’t know where to turn or feel their symptoms won’t be taken seriously (Menopause Support Survey).

Accelerating Action in Women’s Health

If we are truly going to accelerate action for women’s health, there are three key areas that need urgent attention:

1. Education & Awareness

Too many women – the women I work with every day – are struggling to understand what is happening to their bodies. They often don’t connect symptoms with perimenopause and when they seek help the dots are still not connected. Worse still, they are dismissed.

Better education at all life stages is essential – from schools through to workplaces and community spaces – so that women can recognise the signs of hormonal changes and access the support they need.

2. Breaking the Stigma

Perimenopause and menopause still feel like taboo topics in many spaces – especially in the workplace. With 1 in 10 women leaving their jobs due to menopausal symptoms (Fawcett Society), it’s time to normalise conversations and ensure that women feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s time we shifted the narrative from menopause meaning the end of useful years, to the transition towards a new era, much like puberty.

3. Lifestyle as Medicine

While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a game-changer for many women, the role of nutrition, exercise, and stress management in supporting hormonal balance is often overlooked. Evidence shows that diet and lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms – yet these approaches are rarely prioritised in healthcare conversations. I see everyday how much more effective HRT is when combined with targeted, personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategies.

We need to empower women with the tools to support their health naturally alongside medical options.

How You Can Take Action

This International Women’s Day, I’d love you to be part of the movement to accelerate action for women’s health.

✔ Start the conversation – with your friends, your family, or your workplace.

✔ Seek expert guidance on how nutrition can support your hormonal health.

✔ Prioritise self-care and small daily changes that will have a big impact on your long-term wellbeing.

I love to support companies to create menopause-friendly workplaces through workplace wellness programmes that educate not just women, but everyone – encouraging entire organisations to create a culture of awareness, empathy, and support. Everyone benefits when we do this.

If your company is ready to accelerate action and support women’s health, get in touch to find out more about how I can deliver tailored talks and workshops that break the stigma and promote wellbeing for all. Or join my Workplace Wellness Newsletter to be kept up to date on my seasonal offerings and packages.

Together, we can accelerate action – not just on IWD, but every day – to ensure women get the support, knowledge, and care they deserve.

#AccelerateAction #IWD2025 #WomensHealthMatters #WorkplaceWellness #IWD