McCALL TO ARMS
DAVINA MCCALL HOPES THAT HER SECOND DOCUMENTARY ON THE MENOPAUSE WILL PERSUADE THE MEDICAL PROFESSION TO SIT UP AND LISTEN…
Following her successful documentary last year exploring the myths surrounding the menopause, Davina McCall aims to further explore the issue in her second film on the subject…
“I was aware that there was a gaping hole in our knowledge around something that will happen to every woman – as well as non-binary people and some trans men, too,” she explains. “The first documentary answered many questions, but also left us with more. So, we are back to answer some of those.”
Indeed, being tackled this time is the taboo around HRT, as well as women’s sexual and reproductive health – an area often overlooked in healthcare. And Davina hopes that medical professionals in decision-making roles will now be inspired to make improvements…
“Women in their mid-40s onwards were often just expected to fade away quietly,” she muses. “I would say now, we are reaching our prime at this point. And many of us, just as we find our stride, are struck down with a hormone deficiency that can lead some to suicide. However, in the vast majority of cases, these people could be simply and cheaply treated by the NHS.
“Why is this not happening in every GP surgery?” continues the star. “It would save relationships, children’s mental health, and lives. We must rethink everything.”
There is also a focus in this new film on how women are being sidelined in the workplace when they begin experiencing the menopause, examining how some are forced to go part-time, or even lose their jobs when symptoms arise. And Davina is keen that the audience will take both knowledge and courage away from this documentary…
“I hope viewers will feel empowered and go to talk to their doctor about what they need,” she shares. “I’m sure that there will be many women helping to educate their GPs about the menopause, because it’s still only a tiny part of their learning in med school. Which isn’t their fault, but is totally ridiculous…”