Fed’s health and safety lead opens up about experiencing early menopause

17 October 2023

Suffolk Police Federation health and safety lead Helen Self has heaped praise on her colleagues for their support and understanding as she experienced early menopause.

Helen says she feels ‘lucky’ to have had such a supportive network around her, as she speaks out about going through menopause at 47 and how her body changes led to her becoming a full-time Fed rep.

The recently-turned 50-year-old is now sharing her experience to mark this week's World Menopause Day (Wednesday 18 October) and hopes that telling her story will give members the confidence they need to be open and ask for help if they need it.

“There is no doubt that menopause changed me as a person,” said Helen, who opted for an oophorectomy - her ovaries removed - after discovering her mum, who died from ovarian cancer, carried the BRCA gene, a hereditary gene that can lead to the development of cancer.

“I suppose in some ways, I was lucky because I knew menopause would happen once my ovaries were removed, but in other ways, it was difficult because I didn’t have time to really prepare myself for the changes I would experience.”

Suffolk Police Federation health and safety lead Helen Self with her mum Denise.

Helen explained how she underwent the operation on a Friday back in 2020 was 2018 and by the Monday, symptoms had already started.

“At the time I was part of the safer neighbourhood team, which meant me going out every day in uniform - heading into places like schools for assemblies and various other community events. My job definitely became more difficult, mainly due to the hot sweats I was experiencing - my face was literally on fire some days - I used to be the cold one in the office, now I rarely take a jacket out with me,” continued Helen.

“And menopause had a huge impact on my fitness levels too. I used to love running but I can’t run with ease anymore. And as for the fitness test - well that’s a real struggle, and I know I’m not alone in feeling like that.

“In fact, the anxiety surrounding the annual fitness test is a real issue for both men and women who are getting older. Bodies naturally change as people get older and I think the Force needs to start taking this into consideration - the fitness tests should be age-relevant.

“Don’t get me wrong, I think things have come a long way since I joined the Force 27 years ago, and we’re moving in the right direction which is very positive. But there’s still more to be done to ensure policing continues to develop and change in line with society.”

Helen in uniform with, from left to right, her husband Nick, mum Denise, and daughter Victoria.

Helen said that the changes she experienced ‘definitely helped shape [her] future career choices’.

“If I hadn’t had the opportunity to become a full-time Federation rep I don’t know where I’d be now,” said Helen, who took on the role in August last year.

“I know everybody’s situation is different, and some women manage to continue working through the menopause - and my hat goes off to them. I also know of female colleagues who have left because of the anxiety they are feeling, mainly with regard to passing the fitness test.

“I, like so many others, have lost my confidence and I definitely worry more - and these symptoms, as well as the hot flushes, forgetfulness and an inability to concentrate, are all out of my control.

“That’s why I’m sharing my story. So I can support and help others, and also educate people who either might not understand what happens when women experience menopause.”

If you or a loved one is experiencing menopause and would like to speak to a member of the Federation about this, then get in touch with Helen by emailing helen.self@polfed.org.