The University of Leicester is trying to encourage academics to talk about the menopause (stock image)

Repeating the word 'menopause' three times a day at work is enough to show solidarity with female colleagues, men have been told.

The University of Leicester is trying to encourage middle-aged male academics to open up and talk about the taboo subject.

Dr Andrea Davies, from the university's School of Business, organises the monthly Leicester Menopause Café, where male and female colleagues are encouraged to come together and chat about the middle-aged phenomena.

She also puts together menopause roadshows at the institution and says workplaces need to become more menopause-friendly.

All staff should be able to talk about it openly and without embarrassment, so saying the word several times a day would help, said Dr Davies.

She added: 'We have been arguing to avoid any closeted words or acronyms and just say menopause – preferably three times a day to make it "unremarkable".

'We set out that menopause should not be a women's only issue.'

Last year, the university became the first employer in the UK to introduce a menopause policy.

Similar schemes have since been rolled out at the University of Manchester, Severn Trent Water and Nottinghamshire Police, as employers look to support older female colleagues.

In February, the institution began hosting the menopause cafes every month – an informal, social meeting where male and female colleagues discuss the menopause over a drink.

Last year, Leicester University became the first employer in the UK to introduce a menopause policy.

Staff who experience symptoms at work are encouraged to record them in communal books in the office, in order to make colleagues aware.

This allows them to record symptoms which formal meetings and deadlines can exacerbate, including headaches, hot flushes, depression and excessive tiredness.

Dr Davies said the cafes allow women and men to feel more confident about discussing the menopause.

She said: 'People share tips on how they are managing menopause symptoms at work and at home.

'A recent share I really liked was to have a menopause book on the work desk.

'This is a place to write lists and say how [a woman's] menopause was today.

'She wrote things herself but also encouraged her work colleagues to do the same.

'This has really helped her not to forget things – that can happen – if you experience intermittent forgetfulness, or what we call menopause brain fog.'

Dr Davies said that male colleagues are 'keen to know more to support their family and female colleagues.

'Confidence to talk about menopause is growing. We are removing the taboo – menopause is visible and in the everyday.'

There are around 4.3million working women aged 50 or over – the biggest increase in employment rates since 1994.

The menopause occurs at the age of 51 years on average, so many women now undergo the change at work.

Symptoms can manifest both physically and psychologically and include hot flushes, sweats, poor concentration, insomnia, headaches, panic attacks, anxiety and loss of confidence.

On average, most symptoms last about four years from the last period.

However, about one in every 10 women experiences them for up to 12 years.

A report by the Government Equalities Office released in 2017 recommended that employers provide desk fans to help menopausal women manage their symptoms.

They should also provide cold water fountains, places to rest, special absence policies and ensure uniforms are made from non-synthetic materials.