In 2021, The Sun’s lifestyle supplement ‘Fabulous’ recognised many readers were suffering in silence about something inevitable for millions of Brits.
To understand how menopause impacted readers’ lives, the publisher undertook an exclusive survey of 2,000 people. The results shaped its campaign: half of women believed there was not enough support for them, while 49% suffered from depression and 7% felt suicidal.
In October that year, the Menopause Matters campaign brought together celebrities and powerful stakeholders to fight for free HRT for all on the NHS, menopause support at the heart of workplace policies and the dismantling of taboos to help women thrive.
Weeks later, the government responded to pressure and backed a “menopause revolution”, pledging to reduce the cost of repeat HRT prescriptions to just £18.50 a year — a saving of up to £205. Meanwhile, businesses responded to calls to step up, with leading British brands including Nationwide, pub chain Young’s and Estee Lauder pledging more support for their employees.
The campaign found continued success in 2022, with the government’s menopause taskforce meeting for the first time in February and the civil service signing up to The Sun’s workplace charter in March.
It will make a huge difference to so many women saving hundreds of pounds a year on prescriptions who will no longer have to make sacrifices to access treatment.
Lisa Snowdon, presenter and campaign ambassador
This is just the beginning and I’m so proud to be a part of The Sun’s Fabulous menopause matters and it’s a huge win for us.
This campaign is making the conversation around the menopause louder and long may it continue.
