Abstract

This report details the collaborative project set up between the NHS North-East and North-Cumbria ICB, NHS South Yorkshire ICB and the University of Sunderland to explore the experiences of people with a learning disability (PWLD) living with menopause and carers of PWLDs living with menopause. All experiences were sought via interviews with the carers’ data gathered first to inform the interview schedule of the PWLDs. Carers were interviewed between March and April 2025 and the PWLDs were interviewed between October 2025 and February 2026. Participants were 15 carers and 23 PWLDs living with menopause. The major themes identified for the carers were: (1) biopsychosocial impact and support needs of menopause, (2) complexity and overlap of menopause and learning disability symptoms, (3) communication as a pillar of understanding and quality care, (4) knowledge and education as key enablers of quality care and (5) the needs for holistic tailored support. in addition, the major themes for the PWLDs included: (1) understanding and biopsychosocial impact of menopause and (2) situational contexts. The findings have been used to inform a series of recommendations for stakeholders to mitigate the barriers faced by PWLDs and carers.

This project was funded by the NHS North-East and North-Cumbria ICB and NHS South Yorkshire ICB.