How to cope with menopause at work

Have you been struggling with physical or psychological symptoms of menopause at work? You're not alone. A study revealed that 71% of women have difficulties coping at work because of menopausal symptoms. No less than 30% also claim that there is a taboo on discussing menopause and the symptoms of menopause.

Work started to feel like a chore even though it was all I ever dreamed of. - Shirley, age 52

Many female employees are negatively impacted by menopause while at work as their symptoms affect their productivity, focus and energy levels. Hormonal changes during menopause can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, concentration difficulties and fatigue. These symptoms can be exacerbated by stress and work pressure. Menopause can also make women more emotional and affect their ability to cope with stress, leading to feelings of low self-esteem or loss of confidence.

Negative impact on work

A whopping 80% of women going through menopause have symptoms – most women report experiencing three or more symptoms of menopause. Research has shown that no less than 62% of menopausal women in employment say their ability to work has been affected by their symptoms. Most women (81%) do not call in sick to work, no matter how bad they feel. Even though it can cause debilitating physical and psychological symptoms, employers often don’t take menopause seriously. So it’s not uncommon for women to feel they must simply ‘put up’ with menopausal symptoms as a part of life. This is a shame, because there are many solutions available.

Menopause and current workplace culture

The impact of menopause symptoms at work is slowing gaining attention as a business priority, but we still have a long way to go. Menopause is still rarely discussed in the workplace. With little information and education available, employers, HRM and colleagues often lack understanding of the impact of menopause in the workplace. Very few companies have policies in place that help female employees manage this life stage. What supportive resources could benefit women? This is what they say themselves:

Flexible working hours.
Workplace adjustments and the option of working from home.
Access to information and resources: health programmes, training or information sessions to raise awareness and break the taboo on menopause.
Proactive conversation: having open conversations with employers in which women can express their needs.

Fortunately, progress is being made. Menopause is receiving more media attention and a growing number of companies are facilitating open conversations with employees about what they are experiencing. By offering customised solutions, organisations can create a supportive and healthy environment for all employees.

What can you do?

Despite the fact that many female employees are negatively impacted by menopausal symptoms at work, research shown that 37% of women don't treat their symptoms. That’s a pity, because there are so many treatment options available.

Some tips:

ducate yourself on menopause and your body. Understanding the changes your body, mind and emotions go through on this journey can take away some of the stress and frustration.
A healthy diet, regular exercise and relaxation can help ease many menopause symptoms.
Supplements can be used to alleviate mild symptoms or fill any nutrient gaps. If you have severe symptoms, hormone replacement therapy might be an option.
Try to embrace this new life stage. This will make it easier to find pleasure in your work and stay in control of your body.
Learn to say ‘no’. You are not obligated to fulfil every expectation. Not every task is urgent or important. Listen to your body and don't be afraid to set boundaries.

What you can do to create a menopause-friendly workplace

There are also things you can do to ensure you can continue to work as pleasantly as possible. First of all, you can discuss your needs with your employer.

Here are some practical tips for making your workplace more menopause friendly:

Are you struggling with the ups and downs of energy levels that come with menopause? Talk to your employer about flexible working arrangements.
Do you suffer from hot flashes? Wear clothes made from breathable fabrics or take an extra set of clothing to the office.
Breathing exercises, meditation or extra (short) breaks can help.

Tips for talking to your employer about menopause:

Prepare for the conversation by writing down some clear examples. What physical and mental complaints are you experiencing? What could make your life easier? This will give your employer a better understanding of the situation.
Be honest. Are you experiencing uncomfortable situations at work? You have every right to expect support in the workplace.
Look for solutions together. If you think flexibility in working hours or working from home will enable you to cope with your symptoms, then bring up this topic.
Seek support from colleagues. Do you have colleagues who are also experiencing menopause? Perhaps you can talk to your employer together. Strength comes in numbers. Suggest policy changes to address your needs together.

A new life stage

Women over 50 can act as mentors for younger workers. They bring a wealth of knowledge to their professional environments. With regard to menopause, the challenges they have faced enable them to make better choices. Menopause heralds a new era of life for women, both personally and professionally. Women in midlife are more likely to go after what they want with a greater sense of confidence and feel more comfortable putting their own needs first.

Treatments for menopausal symptoms

Supplements and medication can make going through menopause a lot smoother. Browse our products and take charge of your menopausal health today. After you've completed the online questionnaire, a doctor will review it to make sure what you order is right for you.

View products