WellVet has introduced a comprehensive suite of free menopause resources aimed at reducing the physical and psychological symptoms of perimenopause for veterinary team members. These resources, grounded in lifestyle medicine and the neuropsychology of hormones, are designed to benefit individuals directly affected by menopause and those seeking to support them.
Accessible Resources and Expert Contributions
The first set of nine bitesize videos, ranging from 5 to 30 minutes, are now available on the WellVet website. These videos feature expert insights and practical advice from leading professionals:
- Dr. Claire Gillvray, founder of Gillvray Health, provides an introduction to menopause, explores treatment options, and discusses stress management. Dr. Gillvray is a GP, Lifestyle Medicine specialist, and psychiatrist with a focus on women’s health.
- Dr. Chloe Hannigan, a veterinarian and qualified yoga instructor who founded VetYogi, offers practical sessions on managing symptoms through breathwork, meditation, and yoga.
- Dr. Libby Kemkaran, a neuropsychologist and coach, explains how hormones impact the brain and suggests strategies to mitigate symptoms.
The series will expand with two additional instalments set for release in September and October, culminating in a total of 27 videos.
Addressing a Critical Need in the Veterinary Profession
The initiative follows the 2020 Report on Menopause in the Veterinary Profession, co-authored by WellVet co-founder Dr. Liz Barton. The report revealed that nearly half of veterinary team members experience moderate to severe perimenopause symptoms impacting their mental health, with a third reporting significant effects on their working lives and careers. A striking 90% of respondents expressed a desire for more information on menopause’s impact from both personal and team perspectives.
Dr. Barton emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “Since the publication of the report, I have felt compelled to raise awareness, understanding, and provide support. I’m delighted to launch these resources specifically for veterinary teams, which have the potential to improve the health and working life for so many.”
Empowering Individuals with Knowledge and Tools
Dr. Claire Gillvray highlighted the widespread impact of menopause, noting that while the focus is often on the individual, it affects friends, family, colleagues, and clients. She pointed out that many women suffer from debilitating symptoms that can have severe health impacts, emphasising the need for consistent and supportive medical advice. The videos aim to empower individuals to monitor their symptoms, engage in meaningful conversations with medical professionals, and explore lifestyle adjustments that may enhance their wellbeing.
Dr. Chloe Hannigan stressed the value of mindfulness and movement in managing hormonal symptoms. She noted, “There is significant and growing scientific evidence for the power of breathwork, meditation, and movement in mitigating the effects of hormonal fluctuations on mental and physical wellbeing.”
Dr. Libby Kemkaran discussed the benefits of somatic interventions for neurological balance, explaining how understanding and implementing these practices can reset and rewire the brain. She stated, “It’s incredibly empowering to understand what these actually do within the brain – both in the moment and cumulatively over time.”
A Call to Action for the Veterinary Industry
Dr. Barton believes this initiative could be the most impactful WellVet has ever hosted, drawing parallels to the transformative changes in mental health awareness over the past decade. She urged the veterinary industry to support this cause, emphasising the critical need to provide meaningful support during perimenopause, a period marked by a heightened risk of psychological symptoms and suicide.
Expressing gratitude to the sponsors who made these resources possible, Dr. Barton called for additional support, particularly from veterinary employers, to further develop and promote these resources. She also invited those interested in research collaborations to better understand the impact on veterinary team members to contact her directly at liz@wellvet.co.uk.
The new menopause resources can be accessed at WellVet’s website.
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