To think this is fine to talk about in a work email

[SandAndSeals]

I’ve NC as this is potentially outing.

An awareness email went out to colleagues about the menopause. Is the email, it lists the symptoms inc. hot flushes, low mood etc and also ‘vaginal dryness and reduced sex drive’.

My colleague has put a complaint email in about it as they don’t think it’s appropriate to mention vaginal dryness is a workplace email. However I disagree. It’s a common symptom and should be listed in an awareness article. You would take out ‘difficulty holding an erection’ when discussing prostate cancer, for example.

The Health team send out other emails about out conditions and illnesses depending on what’s being asked for. I’m in the Women’s Network so I know that menopause info has been asked for.

What do you think? AIBU or is she?

I've read all the arguments for and against and still agree with your colleague. I'm not prudish or shy, but I think I'd be less likely to tell colleagues I was going through menopause if I was aware they were aware of my potential dry, itchy, and atrophying vagina.

I’m yet to be convinced that it’s your place to raise awareness in the first place. Even the terminology reminds me of those stupid Facebook posts about “raising awareness” of anything from cancer to senile dementia.

Just that, and only that - raising awareness. As if nobody had ever heard of these things before their insightful witterings.
The menopause is hardly a state secret.

Only today my colleagues were joking about hot flashes. I really don't want them to have more ammunition in their prejudiced male heads. I don't know how many of you work in a majority make environment but men can be horrible.

Indeed. Anyone imagining that this sort of shite will turn those type of idiots into caring, empathetic gentlemen is either naive or nuts.

Exactly!

I’d imagine that 25 year old guy doesn’t give it a second thought and moves on.
It appears we have vastly different experiences with 25yo guys.

Who decides what conditions are included in this awareness training?

Plus menopause is actually a normal occurrence, like periods. It isn't an illness as such is it? It's being included along side prostate cancer but it's not really comparable is it? Why not prostate cancer and cervical or breast cancer awareness? Who decided on menopause?

I’m painfully aware that menopause can affect clarity of thought and energy levels, and I think that’s a good thing for colleagues to be aware of. I really wouldn’t want them to know that my vagina has withered like a fallen leaf though; that doesn’t affect my work in the slightest.

OP I still find this ridiculous You say if 50% of your workforce are affected by the menopause - well, no, do your statistics. Many will below the age of menopause, some will be beyond it. Some will suffer badly from it, some won't be affected at all. Some should contact HR if they have a problem and HR should be aware.

I do hope more importantly your department is also making men aware of their prostate problems, how to cope with urination difficulties and erectile dysfunction, sleeping difficulties, muscle loss and anger. In an email.

OP I've obviously made my feelings clear on the "awareness" thing

thinking about the specific complaint made by the colleague - on pondering, yes, I can see the issue. It is the same as if you circulated an awareness thing about male hormonal changes and a decline in sex drive.

someone mentioned prostate cancer and loss of libido - you could put loss of libido on the symptoms list for any number of conditions. I'd strongly recommend avoiding it though. There's any number of people who might feel uncomfortable and why do you want to make anyone feel uneasy in the workplace?

your "hope" for the 25 year old is bonkers frankly. I'm sure all this is a win for the people paid for this kind of communication but there's no link between this and a good HR policy on sickness which will cover all kinds of problems.

and the 50% thing - um, you need to really stop and think about that one!! Crazy maths there.

men can be horrible.
Going by this depressing thread, so can women.

you could put loss of libido on the symptoms list for any number of conditions. I'd strongly recommend avoiding it though. There's any number of people who might feel uncomfortable and why do you want to make anyone feel uneasy in the workplace?

Who are these delicate flowers who'd feel so 'uncomfortable' at seeing the words ' loss of libido' in an email? Do you imagine anyone suffering from it is going to have some involuntary response and leap to their feet and shout 'You got me, it's me, I can't get it up!'?

Honestly, people on here need a serious word with themselves.

DarlingNikita , you are so lovely and kind and have such lovely way with words....

Do you know, Nearly, I don't care.

That’s quite obvious

You say if 50% of your workforce are affected by the menopause - well, no, do your statistics.

No, the email said 50% of the workforce are women and I said the menopause will affect 50%. Because it will. Although if we just say ‘affect’ then it will ‘affect husbands and other partners too’.

Seems a silly technical point to pick up when all women will go through the menopause.

I do hope more importantly your department is also making men aware of their prostate problems,

Not my department, but as I’ve already mentioned several times in this thread November (Movember) is always dedicated to the prostate.