By Trudi Roscouet
I have a confession to make. When I’m out for dinner, I love eavesdropping. I know it’s not the most polite thing to do, especially when sitting with my loved one, but I find people-watching and listening to snippets of conversation absolutely fascinating.
Last week, while out for lunch, I found myself next to a man and a woman catching up. They weren’t a couple, but close friends having a deep and meaningful conversation. The woman began sharing her journey of misdiagnosed health conditions, a story that took an unexpected turn when she mentioned menopause. My ears pricked up as she explained how, after years of uncertainty, she was finally prescribed HRT. Her symptoms – once thought to be a brain tumour and later MS – were actually perimenopausal. Her friend listened intently, eager to learn more and I sat there astounded.
How is it possible that, despite the widespread awareness on social media (or at least on my algorithm-fed feeds), women are still being misdiagnosed in 2025?
Companies are offering menopause training, but is that enough?
The reality is that menopause isn’t going anywhere. Women in their mid-30s may not tune into a webinar on the subject because they don’t think it applies to them – until one day, it does. Suddenly, they find themselves experiencing unexplained symptoms: tinnitus, vertigo, frozen shoulder, menopausal arthritis in their fingers and toes. Without prior knowledge, they head to their GP, only to be told their blood tests are “normal” or that they are “too young” for menopause.
In October, Heather Currie MBE, trustee of the British Menopause Society, spoke about the need for medical professionals to upskill – because without change, countless women will continue suffering in silence.
But let’s move on before you switch off thinking menopause isn’t relevant to you.
Did you know that last year saw the lowest birth rate since 1945? I mentioned this in my last article, but what I didn’t say was why are we still training 40 midwives into home birthing when this has now been delayed? It seems counterintuitive, given that our healthcare system is already in a £65 million deficit, and yet the new hospital project has overspent by £100million.
Delays in healthcare are becoming unacceptable.
This week, I read a powerful letter about the long wait times for hernia operations and an excellent article by Christie Bailey, news editor of Bailiwick Express. She highlighted the stark contrast between the UK’s provision of free contraception and Jersey’s continued charges, pointing out systemic gender inequalities in healthcare. Women are tired of waiting.
Interestingly, as I write this, Tory MP Mim Davies has condemned Labour for dropping plans to roll out more women’s health hubs, which were originally promised in their 2019 manifesto. Dame Lesley Regan, the driving force behind the UK’s Women’s Health Strategy (who I have had the pleasure of meeting and will be welcoming to Jersey in March), is desperately trying to keep these plans alive.
Jersey, wake up and smell the coffee. We don’t need to rely solely on our struggling hospital – why not introduce partially funded women’s health hubs with specialist care? As Christie Bailey put it: Women deserve better – not tomorrow, not next year, but now.
It’s time for action, not just more talk and empty promises. Deputy Andy Howell has been named Assistant Health Minister responsible for women’s health – so what’s the plan? And what’s happening with the new hospital management board that Deputy Binet announced in September 2024? We need answers, and we need them soon.
Gender equity isn’t about burning bras – it’s about fair treatment for all. If you care about these issues, mark your calendar for 19 March 2025, when I will be hosting “BE THE CHANGE”, Jersey’s first Gender Equity Conference at The Royal Yacht. It’s set to be a fascinating and fun day of challenging conversations, exploring the gaps in work, health and play.
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Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier future for the women of Jersey.
- Trudi Roscouet educates individuals and organisations on aligning the four pillars of health – nutrition, fitness, wellbeing and sleep – and is committed to reducing the gender health gap. She writes regularly for Menopause Matters and publishes her newsletter, Vitality Vibes, twice a month to bring a little humour to the menopause. Visit vitality40plus.com.
