Women With Learning Disabilities Star In Menopause Film

A film has been made by and for women with learning disabilities or autism to explain that perimenopause and menopause symptoms are not “embarrassing or scary”.

Ace Anglia, based in Stowmarket, has worked with Suffolk Libraries to share what happens before and after periods stop. The film features women supported by the organisation.

Nicole Smith, from the libraries’ Menopause and Me Project, external, said the aim was to “reflect different experiences” and to show people they were not alone.

Women in the video, external explain that moods can change, you can forget things, and symptoms are different for everyone.

Shenah, who features in the film, said: “People with menopause matter. Making more people aware of menopause is really important.”

Rae, who was also filmed, said: “It is important to make this film for women who are about to go through menopause to understand what it is and how it changes your body.”

The video explains that it is “natural”, that having a healthy diet or taking HRT can help, and that it can be beneficial to talk to support workers, friends or family members.

“The menopause is not embarrassing. It’s not scary. It’s natural. You can speak up about it. You are not alone,” the film explains.

Ms Smith said: “We want to reflect different experiences of the menopause and perimenopause in the resources we produce – whether that is from a sexual orientation, cultural or, in this case, learning disability and autism perspective.

“We want people to be able to not only identify with what they hear or read but also feel supported and, most importantly, not alone.”

A spokesperson for Ace Anglia, said: “We approached Suffolk Libraries to suggest creating some accessible information for women with a learning disability as part of the Menopause and Me project.”

Teams are also working to develop resources in more accessible and easy-to-read formats.