Guest post by Gen-M Chairman, Julian Kynaston
Julian Kynaston is the Chair of GenM, the menopause partner for brands.
GenM, founded by Heather Jackson and Sam Simister, empowers its Collective to better serve the unmet needs of the 1 billion global menopausal audience, too often overlooked and underserved.
A self-proclaimed feminist, Julian aims to debunk myths and open up crucial conversations about menopause, educating the wider audience on how menopause affects the majority of us, either directly or indirectly. He emphasises the need for increasing awareness among the countless women still in the dark about Perimenopause, many of whom are frightened by their experiences.
Not someone who you would look at and think ‘menopause’, Julian speaks with expertise and passion on the unequivocal link between menopause and mental health and how both women and men need to understand it to support themselves and others.
“Menopause is a woman’s problem, so why should men care? I think that’s a load of nonsense. Understanding is universal.“
Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life, often marked by a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. While physical changes such as hot flushes, night sweats and weight gain are commonly discussed, the impact of menopause on mental health is just as profound and often overlooked. With 1 billion women globally experiencing menopause, this cannot be ignored.
The fluctuating hormone levels during menopause can lead to various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, mood swings and cognitive difficulties like memory lapses and concentration issues. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for both those experiencing menopause and the people around them, as it can greatly affect daily life and overall well-being. Research suggests that women in the menopausal transition are at an increased risk for developing depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders. This article aims to shed light on the 48 symptoms that many women may experience during this time. No two women’s menopause is the same, but most will experience at least one of 48 signs at some point – during perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause.
By acknowledging these challenges, we can better support those going through this natural but often difficult phase of life.
I take great pride in Chairing GenM Official. It’s a cause I’m deeply interested in and passionate about.
I PRESENT A SIMPLE POEM – “48.”
I know it’s not the best poem, but it’s my attempt to shed light on the myriad of 48 symptoms women face during peri-menopause and menopause.
The poem was inspired by the efforts of Heather Jackson and Sam Simister, who together founded GenM.
This is a call for awareness, understanding, and support.
Men, it’s time we stand alongside women in this journey.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE BELOW
The resources and support provided in The Vault are designed to promote mental wellbeing and provide general guidance on mental health related to grassroots football.
However, the content is not intended to serve as specific mental health advice or replace consultation with a trained professional. If you or someone you know requires personalised mental health support, we strongly encourage you to consult with a licensed mental health professional and/or seek appropriate services in your area.
