A South Cumbria support group is hosting a county-wide online event for women managing pain linked to menopause and perimenopause. According to BBC News, Menopause Matters is holding a free online forum on World Menopause Day, inviting participants to share experiences and ask questions in an open conversation format.
The event takes place on 19 October 2026 between 19:00 and 20:00 BST. World Menopause Day is an annual observance established by the International Menopause Society, with this year's focus on chronic pain at midlife. Facilitator Leigh Williams expressed hope that the session would
open up the conversationaround the intersection of pain and menopause.
The online discussion will bring together multiple perspectives rather than following a traditional webinar or expert panel format. Participants include a general practitioner, pelvic health physiotherapist, local authority health professional, support group facilitators and individuals with lived experience of persistent pain. The event is open not only to women experiencing menopause or persistent pain, but also to family members, health and care professionals, and anyone interested in midlife health; booking is essential.
Why bring different perspectives together?
Williams explained that women's experiences with menopause do not fit into neat categories.
We might start with menopause and very quickly find ourselves talking about pain, sleep, mental health, stress or neurodiversity, she said.
No one person on this call has all the answers. That is exactly why we're bringing different perspectives together.
Williams was motivated to become a facilitator following her own experience with perimenopause and chronic pain.
I know what it feels like when pain starts to shrink your world, she reflected.
Some of the women that come to the support groups are really desperate for an outlet, they haven't been able to talk about these topics or get the support that they wanted.
How common is pain during menopause?
Pain during the menopause transition is far more widespread than many people realise. According to the International Menopause Society, almost three in four women experience joint or muscle pain during perimenopause. More broadly, around half of women in midlife experience chronic pain, and women are up to 70% more likely than men to experience chronic pain generally.
The physical symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can be painful and resemble musculoskeletal conditions or fibromyalgia. Common manifestations include muscle and joint aches, stiffness and swelling, reduced strength and pins and needles sensations. Overlapping conditions can include migraine, fibromyalgia and chronic pelvic pain.
What does Menopause Matters offer beyond the online event?
Menopause Matters operates a monthly cafe-style drop-in in Barrow-in-Furness, providing women with an informal setting to meet and connect. The group creates spaces where attendees can discuss their experiences without the formality of traditional healthcare settings.
Why should menopause pain be taken seriously?
Williams stressed that menopause affects half the population and warrants appropriate health support.
Menopause is something that effects 50% of the population, so we absolutely should be expecting a level of health, she said.
Some women can be experiencing these symptoms for a decade - that's a long time to be uncomfortable.
She emphasised that health extends beyond the absence of illness.
Health and wellbeing isn't just the absence of ill-health, it's about being able to thrive and that's what I'm striving for.
What is the broader context for this event?
The International Menopause Society's 2026 campaign includes a White Paper for healthcare professionals and public-facing resources designed to improve recognition and care for chronic pain at midlife. The IMS held a free webinar on chronic pain at midlife on 13 October 2026, featuring Dr Angela Mailis and IMS president Prof Rossella Nappi, with a live question-and-answer session.
How can people participate?
Anyone wishing to take part in the free online conversation can reserve a space through the event's booking website. The session offers an opportunity to engage with professionals and peers in a supportive environment focused on shared experience and practical discussion.
What happens next?
The International Menopause Society's webinar recording will be available on demand after 10 November 2026 for those unable to attend the live session. The South Cumbria event on 19 October 2026 represents one of many initiatives taking place during World Menopause Day to raise awareness and provide support for those navigating midlife health challenges.
