In the UK, around 13 million women are currently going through menopause. Despite being the fastest-growing group in the workforce, menopause is still often treated as a taboo topic.
While some women go through menopause without major issues, others experience a range of physical and mental symptoms that can seriously affect their personal, social, and work life.
Given the large number of employees experiencing menopausal symptoms, it’s essential for you and your team to understand what menopause is and how you can support your colleagues through it. Read on to find out more or sign up to Tayl’s free Menopause in the Workplace course.
Menopause is when the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs, causing hormone levels (oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens) to drop. This leads to irregular periods until they eventually stop altogether.
This process marks the end of fertility and typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier, it’s important to remember that menopause affects anyone with a menstrual cycle, including trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals. However, for simplicity, we’ll use the term ‘women’ when referring to those going through menopause, as is common in most research.
While the term ‘menopause’ is often used to describe the whole process, it actually consists of three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
Menopause doesn’t always happen naturally, and it doesn’t always follow a set age bracket. There are several types, including:
As hormone levels drop, a wide range of physical and mental symptoms can arise, some of which can be difficult to manage.
Menopausal symptoms can last on average 4-8 years, though they may persist much longer. These symptoms often worsen gradually. Some common symptoms include:
Because the symptoms are so varied, many women don’t even realise they’re related to menopause and might not seek medical help.
It’s crucial not to generalise or dismiss anyone’s experience of menopause. Each person’s symptoms and experience will vary based on factors like age, disability, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
This includes not only women but also trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals. Here’s a brief look at how menopause might affect different groups:
Many menopausal symptoms are interconnected, so treating one symptom may help with others. Some ways to manage symptoms include:
Other treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), non-hormonal medications, lubricants for vaginal dryness, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), though HRT isn’t suitable for everyone.
Creating a supportive workplace environment is key to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff experiencing menopause. This affects not just those going through it but also their colleagues. Raising awareness and providing support is crucial.
According to CIPD, 67% of women aged 40-60 say menopausal symptoms negatively affect them at work.
Symptoms like brain fog and fatigue can hinder organisational skills and stamina, while physical symptoms, such as frequent urination, can be inconvenient and embarrassing. This can harm confidence and self-esteem.A menopause-friendly environment encourages open discussions about menopause, breaking down negative stereotypes and improving team morale. It also helps create a more supportive workplace, empowering women and making sure those affected get the support they need.
There are no specific laws addressing menopause, but other laws cover related issues:
Each woman’s experience with menopause is unique, so adjustments should be personalised to fit their needs. These can include:
All agreed adjustments should be documented and regularly reviewed to ensure they’re still helpful.
Training for all staff on menopause awareness is vital. It helps normalise discussions around menopause and breaks down the stigma surrounding the topic. By increasing understanding, workplaces can be more inclusive and supportive of everyone affected by menopause.
World Menopause Day is on October 18th each year, raising awareness and providing support for those experiencing menopause.
For more information on Menopause and the Workplace, take our free Menopause Awareness course.
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