In this special episode of The SOM Podcast, Amy McKeown speaks with Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Menopause, following an International Women’s Day event at the Houses of Parliament focused on keeping women in work.Carolyn shares the progress that has been made in raising awareness of menopause over the past five years — from improving access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in England to embedding menopause considerations across government policy and workplace practice.The conversation explores why menopause remains poorly recognised in healthcare training, how symptoms are often misdiagnosed as mental health conditions, and the significant impact menopause can have on women’s participation in the workforce.They also discuss the critical role occupational health can play in supporting women to stay in work through practical adjustments, training, and proactive conversations.Key topics coveredWhy menopause awareness has grown significantly since 2018Gaps in medical education and menopause diagnosisThe introduction of the HRT prepayment certificate in EnglandThe impact of menopause on workforce participation and career progressionWhy workplace menopause frameworks and action plans matterThe role of occupational health in early identification and workplace supportThe importance of flexible adjustments and dignity at workWhy peer support and open conversations are still vitalCarolyn also outlines how occupational health professionals and organisations such as the Society of Occupational Medicine can support ongoing policy change by championing menopause awareness and advocating for workplace frameworks.The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

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