Women in the Channel Islands who’ve suffered severe menopause symptoms have said there isn’t enough support available.
Dani Barnett in Guernsey said she felt like she « didn’t have anyone to talk to », at a time when she « didn’t know what was going on in her own body ».
In Jersey, Trudi Roscouet said « Women’s health is not a priority for government ».
The States of Jersey said it was « committed to strengthening services and support for women », and The States of Guernsey has been approached for comment.
In October 2021, Barnett, then 40, said it was a « complete shock » to be sent into surgical menopause overnight, and was required to have her ovaries removed.
« I had anxiety and overwhelm, my stress levels were through the roof. I was having anger fits that I had no idea why, » she said.
Barnett is originally from Canada but has lived in Guernsey for 20 years, and said: « The brain fog was extreme.
« I could carry a meeting without any problems, but then I’d be sat there, not knowing what the name of something was that I’ve known for years, then you’re embarrassed, then the hot flushes come and the anxiety and overwhelm and it was just all too much.
« There were days I cried because I couldn’t find my slippers. »
She said her experience was extreme and she felt she did not have anyone to talk to.
« Every time I went back to the doctor they said, ‘your levels are fine, you’re fine.’
« But I would sit there in tears and think ‘I’m not fine’ and I didn’t know why. »
In September 2025, she launched a business offering support to others in Guernsey because of her experience.
She said many women fear the menopause: « They fear the unknown. So, the more that we educate, the more that we talk about it, women aren’t going to fear it. »
She said: « I’m a very outspoken person and I care about what happens to people. »
« It’s a support for women who maybe don’t know what’s going on with their bodies. »
She described the number of women that leave their jobs because of menopausal symptoms and a lack of support as « outrageous ».
According to the British Menopause Society, 45% of women felt their menopause symptoms had a negative impact on their work.
In Jersey Trudi Roscouet also created another business aiming to raise awareness of women’s health and offer support after she experienced the menopause at the age of 51.
« Whether it’s our children, partners, bosses, it can affect everybody and everything, » she said.
She is also calling for more support in the workplace, highlighting how brain fog, anxiety and insomnia are the top three symptoms which affect women at work.
« The big thing we need to do is keep educating the corporates to support female employees in the workplace – and not just once in a lifetime, » she added.
Under the UK Employment Rights Act 2025, all employers with more than 250 employees will be required to design and implement a menopause action plan to support menopause in the workplace and help women remain in employment.
Voluntary reporting is due to start in April 2026, with mandatory compliance by early 2027.
The plans are required to have evidence-based steps, such as flexible working, temperature control and manager training to reduce workplace barriers.
In May 2022 Jersey’s government signed up to becoming a menopause-friendly workplace by signing the 51 Employer Pledge.
The 14-point pledge says menopause is to be treated with the same level of seriousness, care and support as other physical and mental health conditions and that an individual approach should be taken and staff supported.
Roscouet believes there is more to be done, and said: « I just don’t think the government are listening about women’s health anymore.
« Menopause they believe has been dealt with. Women’s health is not a priority for them. »
In response, Deputy Andy Howell, Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services in Jersey, with responsibility for Women’s Health said: « We are committed to strengthening services and support for women. »
Howell pointed to dedicated clinics held at Rayner Outpatients and group-based sessions at the Listening Lounge which focused on coping strategies for living through the menopause.
She said the government was committed to developing a Women’s Health Strategy and would publish a Women’s Health Resource web page later this year.
« We are building a stronger foundation for women’s health and as we move through 2026, our focus remains on delivering safe, supportive, and accessible services that meet the needs of women at every stage of life, » she added.
The States of Guernsey has been approached for comment.
At the Healthcare Group in St Martin’s, Guernsey, a weekly menopause clinic is offered, led by one of the island’s leading experts, Dr Lucy Joslin.
She said: « I think we have some very good [treatment] options, and we can usually find something that will suit everyone in amongst all of those options. »
She also suggested other sources of support including Guernsey Mind, the Menopause Discussion Group and the British Menopause Society.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story, you can also visit BBC Action Line.
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