Menopause Research & Education Fund

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Menopause Research & Education Fund

The MREF is a registered charity supporting menopause research & education.

We support practitioners and empower individuals to improve the health of everyone who goes through menopause.

15/10/2026

Sexual health during menopause isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Our Sexual Health Survey shows that 41% of women remained s*xually active - despite experiencing pain with penetrative s*x with their partner. Among peri- and postmenopausal women surveyed, 55.5% reported having penetrative s*x less frequently, 24.5% had stopped altogether, and 24% had not had penetrative s*x for more than a year.

Mate guarding was a feature, with those who continued to have s*x saying that they didn't want to be a burden and fearing their partners would leave them if they refused to have s*x.

These findings also show why education for healthcare professionals, those going through this, and their partners (where applicable) is so important.

This is one snapshot from our wider Sexual Health Survey. We invite you to explore the full report. 👉https://mref.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MREF-Booklet-2.pdf

15/10/2026

As we transition through menopause, some of us may experience silent changes that can have a profound effect on our future heart and metabolic health.
One of this that increases our risk of heart attack and stroke is a rise in blood pressure.
It important to get this monitored regularly - annually at least, so if there are any changes you can make appropriate lifestyle changes or get medications for it if necessary.
Your pharmacy may be able to monitor it or your GP’s surgery.
Normal blood pressure is around 120/80.
Regular exercise, reducing salt intake, eating a healthy plant rich diet, not smoking or drinking too much alcohol can help reduce blood pressure.
Having high blood pressure is not a contradiction for taking HRT/MHT but transdermal is the preferred delivery route. It may be preferable to get your blood pressure stabilized before starting HRT/MHT.

Did you know that we are poorly represented in studies on heart disease and stroke even though our risk equals men by around the age of 65 and globally it’s our biggest killer?
This means we are treated based mainly on results in men - we are not small men.
This needs to change so please support the MREF so we can get this done.
And, do you know your numbers? Get your blood pressure checked today!

14/10/2026

Why research matters

We know menopause can affect mental health. But we still need better research to answer some questions.

What is the relationship between menopause, mental health, and suicidal thoughts? What support do women seek? What helps? And what happens when they reach out?

This new survey, brought together by Menopause Support founder Diane Danzebrink, psychiatrist Dr Sophie Behrman, and Menopause Research & Education Fund (MREF), helps us listen to those experiences.

If you have experienced suicidal thoughts during perimenopause or post-menopause, your anonymous response could help strengthen the evidence base and inform future research and support. But please only take part if you feel you are able to, as we recognise this could be triggering for some. And remember there are mental health support services that are set up to help you if you need it.

Take part here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZRSRLMN

13/10/2026

For ten years MP Allison Gardner struggled with chronic pain from UTIs. Finally Dr Catriona Anderson joined the dots and related her symptoms to menopause and prescribed her HRT which has now given her two years free of UTIs.

Joining the dots on symptoms is important but you need to know how and that requires education.

The Menopause Research and Education Fund Menopause Research & Education Fund is holding its next course for HCPs on Nov 26 and we have added a course for pharmacists on Nov 19.
Links are in the bio or head to Eventbrite to register.
If you can’t attend on the day you can watch later at your convenience.
Please join us!

13/10/2026

Painful s*x can affect far more than intimacy. It can also shape how women feel about themselves.

Our Sexual Health Survey found that 66% of women reported reduced self-confidence because of painful s*x. Behind this figure are experiences that deserve to be heard, understood, and taken seriously.

This is why menopause research matters. We need more evidence-based research and funding to better understand women’s experiences, improve care, and ensure s*xual health is part of the wider conversation around menopause and long-term wellbeing.

💙 Read the full Sexual Health Survey booklet to explore the findings and what they tell us about women’s experiences:https://mref.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MREF-Booklet-2.pdf

13/10/2026

Good menopause care starts with good conversations, and those conversations start with understanding. 💙

We’re delighted to introduce the speakers joining us for Menopause 101 for Pharmacists on 19 November 2026. Bringing together expertise from across healthcare, pharmacy and research, this online event will explore how we can better support people navigating menopause.

Pharmacy teams are often an important first point of contact, and having the right knowledge can make a real difference. That’s why evidence-based education matters, alongside continued investment in menopause research to help improve care for the future.

Pharmacy technicians are warmly welcome, too!

Join us for this learning opportunity. Your £10 donation will also help fund vital menopause research.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/menopause-for-pharmacists-a-complete-guide-tickets-2000257717679?aff=oddtdtcreator

Note: This course is proudly sponsored by Gedeon Richter and Astellas Pharma. All educational content has been created independently by Menopause Research & Education Fund (MREF). Any sponsored content will be clearly identified as sponsored content.

Only UK-registered practitioners will be able to participate in the live event. If you are outside the UK, you are welcome to sign up and will be sent the recording of the event without the sponsored content.

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London
SW63EF

Website

http://mref.uk/

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