Exercise is one of the most effective and underused tools to help navigate menopause, according to Birmingham City University Professor Kiara Lewis in a statement released on July 3. Lewis, Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences, has contributed her expertise to a national campaign called the Menopause Manual.
The Menopause Manual, produced by Menopause Mandate, follows the organization’s earlier campaign that resulted in menopause being included in NHS over-40 health checks. The manual will be distributed nationally and aims to provide women with information needed to make informed decisions about their health before, during, and after menopause.
Professor Lewis said regular physical activity can significantly reduce the impact of menopause symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, muscle loss, and bone density decline. "Even though menopause has been given great visibility in recent years, understanding of the symptoms and how to best support women through this stage is still inconsistent," Lewis said. "I hope that this booklet will encourage more women to get active and that it’s not too late in life to exercise."
The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Lewis emphasized that strength training is particularly important during this stage of life because it helps protect muscle mass, supports metabolism, and reduces long-term risk of osteoporosis. She added that gym memberships are not required; wall push-ups, balance exercises, and squats with handheld weights are also beneficial.
Alice Smellie, Director of Menopause Mandate, said, "We are proud to have launched the Menopause Manual alongside the results of the 2025 Menopause Mandate survey." Smellie noted that 96% of respondents reported menopause had affected their quality of life while a quarter found visits with healthcare professionals were not positive experiences. "We’ve now launched our 2026 survey and are encouraging everyone to complete it so we can develop greater insight into menopause support and how it can be improved for all."
