Male menopause on councillor’s agenda
A council meeting was told there is increasing evidence that men can go through the menopause.
South Lanarkshire Council met last week to approve a menopause policy.
The local authority aims to launch the scheme on World Menopause Day (October 18) and the workforce is made up of 11,035 women – 68 per cent of whom are over the age of 40.
Measures set to be introduced include help with symptoms, such as being able to request a fan to manage hot flushes, and taking time out from others to cope with low moods.
Women experiencing menopausal symptoms will also have easy access to toilet facilities, fresh drinking water and be able to attend a quiet area “if they need to manage a severe flush”.
But while the policy was welcomed by all elected members, one councillor felt it should go further and recognise the ‘male menopause’.
SNP Bothwell and Uddingston councillor Jim Mcguigan said: “While this policy is to be commended and this should have been recognised a long time ago, there is increasing scientific evidence to support the fact men can endure menopause too.
“As with women it is largely hormonal... but catalysts can also be stress, anxiety and depression.
“We need to treat everyone with understanding and deliver this to all employees and give them the help and support they and their families need through what is a difficult time.”
And independent Avondale and Stonehouse councillor Margaret Cooper added her backing to the policy.
“I fully support and endorse what Cllr Mcguigan has said in regards to men and their issues,” she said.
“Although I may not be as able to put the scientific terms as eloquently as him for male menopause – possibly more popularly known as ‘grumpy old men’.
“But I hope we can look to the future and take on board what Cllr Mcguigan has said in regard to male colleagues.”