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Sequin Climb III. The Munros for Menopause.
Hello Kind People.
A wonderful group of approximately 50 lovely, caring & brave, humans, all intertwined through music and from around the Globe, have decided, to climb one of the most Popular Munros in Scotland, Ben Lomond, sporting Sequins, to raise awareness for Menopause and women's mental health.
We will be taking a beat, from our busy lives on Monday 13th April 2026, to fundraise for ‘The Menopause Charity’.
Menopause is a huge topic that receives little attention or understanding and often still seen as taboo. The effects can be devastating both physically & mentally to those suffering, often in silence, which can ripple through to families, friends, Workspaces and peers.
We all should be talking about it candidly, without ancient & stoic attitudes in a safe, respectful, inclusive space, adopting ‘what can I do to help?’, mindsets.
It has been through openness and honest conversations, that has inspired us to undertake this challenge.
Unfortunately, in the UK, where 33 million women reside, there is a large lack of funding and resource allocation, to help people suffering with the symptoms of perimenopause, menopause & post menopause. The average age of perimenopause is 45 and menopause is 51; however it can occur much earlier or later depending on genetics and/or lifestyle.
The money we raise will ‘help everyone understand what menopause is and the impact it can have. The Menopause Charity, based in Manchester, reaching out across the UK, does this by working with diverse communities to create trusted, tailored information and support. They focus on the facts, to inform people about lifestyle choices, as well as treatment options like HRT. They do this so Women can feel confident about discussing their choices with their doctor or health professional. And more comfortable talking about menopause at home, at work and anywhere else’.
‘The Menopause Charity is for all women and individuals experiencing menopause, as well as their employers, colleagues, partners, families and the health professionals supporting them.’
A few Menopauses facts/ Information;
- Menopause does not arrive politely. It’s shows up in your sleep, mood, patience and focus .
- Oestrogen receptors exist throughout the entire body; the brain, heart, blood vessels, bones, muscles, joints, liver, bladder and vagina. Once you understand this, the symptom list of menopause makes sense. Oestrogen deprivation is a whole-body state. Treating it as isolated symptoms is why so many women feel dismissed & misdiagnosed.
- Menopause is just one day but post menopause is decades, the longest phase of female life.
- 2026 research has shown clinical links with menopause to Alzheimer's and women suffering from dementia twice as much as men.
- Trans women undertaking hormone therapy may also experience menopausal symptoms, especially if their hormone therapy is interrupted or unstable.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been available for over 50 years, and fortunately the treatments available today have evolved and for most people are safe and effective. There are 3 different types, applications and dosages, its not ‘a one size fits all’ situation. We take insulin if diabetic so why not HRT for menopause?
- HRT can help manage symptoms including brain fog, hot flushes, anxiety, libido will bring back joy and motivation to one’s life . It is important to consider other lifestyle changes alongside treatment to help relieve symptoms and protect future health. This includes movement, nutrition, hydration, self-care and good sleep.
- Testosterone is also a female hormone and can be a key element in some women’s therapy. It is currently only licensed in the UK to treat low libido and fatigue.
- There is a postcode lottery of HRT and not a uniform blanket around the country (currently being fought for in Parliament).
- Owing to outdated attitudes and lack of knowledge, under the guidance of some GPS, many women have to go private clinics to get help with the menopause (including sourcing testosterone). This cost can be a barrier for many.
- The prevailence of neurological and psychological symptoms during perimenopause are well known within the scientific communities. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can severely impact mental health . Sadly, lives are at risk with highest suicide rate in women between 45 and 54. It is important that more people are able to spot the signs & psychological symptoms, and to understand how to manage these and access the best support and treatment for them.
Women deserve the right language, science and protection.
This is the third in a naturally grown series of charity climbs, bringing together old friends and new, men and women alike, led once again by our brilliant guides 'Adventure Peaks'.
The previous two climbs were held up the highest mountains, in England (2022) & Wales (2018). Both were a huge success where Friendships were made for life. All three set with the intention of helping others and bringing some much-needed love and positivity into this world. ❤️
In the words of a great woman “If you have the ability to Love. Love ❤️ .”❤️
Please wish us luck, donate if you can, and feel free to share your menopause journey here—whether personal or as an ally.
Thank you for taking the time to read this ❤️ Much Love to all, from The Sequin Climbers xxx RESPECT xxx
References/info taken from ;
Davina McCall with Dr Naomi Potter ‘Menopausing’. (2024) audiobook
‘Oestrogen Matters’ Dr Arum
Blooming.(2024) book & audiobook.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver 2026
Organizer
The Menopause Charity
Beneficiary