Women experiencing the menopause are invited to share their experiences at a new group in Launceston. 

Ladies Evening is the vision of Lisa Whitehouse and Dr Charlotte Patton. The event, which is being held at The Colour Lounge in Launceston on October 22, hopes to bring women who are experiencing symptoms of the menopause together.

Speaking to the Post Lisa explained: “Dr Patton and I are always talking and sharing problems and effects of menopause and thought it would be great to get a group of women together and be able to chat to the real expert and ask questions.” 

Dr Patton is a women’s health GP who has a special interest in contraception, sexual health and menopause care. She started training in obstetrics and gynaecology before carrying out training as a GP. Along the way, she has gained qualifications in sexual health, coil and implant fitting, and has a British Menopause Society certificate in management of menopause. Dr Patton has also worked in a sexual health clinic, but currently shares her time between an NHS GP practice, a private practice, and Derriford Hospital, as well as being involved with teaching at both Peninsula Medical school and the University of Exeter. 

With a professional to offer advice and support, the evening also promises to be an informal gathering of friends, sisters, and neighbours. 

“You can mingle, share your experiences and frustrations, maybe just enjoy being in the company of others going through similar symptoms,” says Lisa. 

Over the years, menopause has slowly become less taboo, and events like this hope to remove stigma and open up conversations around the subject. 

“I feel that menopause is slowly getting talked about with celebrities like Davina talking about it and bringing awareness, so the taboo is getting less. However, we are talking about it as women are very often getting stonewalled by GPs and professionals.” 

The response to the event has been huge, with many women expressing an interest in coming along. 

“I didn’t imagine such a huge response, but that goes to show how much we are all wanting to share and learn from each other. I think that at events like this, it is rare to have a professional who will give up their time to help us all,” Lisa explained. 

The event is free to attend and The Colour Lounge is providing the venue, food and drink. During the night there will also be collection boxes to raise money for Macmillan and breast cancer, so hopefully even more people can benefit from events like this. 

Lisa is sure that this will be the first of many evening bringing women together.