The importance of menopause and work

Middle-aged women doing yoga

Menopausal women are the fastest growing workforce demographic.

  • Menopause is a hormone issue, not an age issue
  • The average age for a woman to go through menopause is 51. It can be earlier than this, naturally or due to surgery, or illness. And symptoms may start years before menopause, during the perimenopause phase.
  • According to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM), nearly 8 out of 10 of menopausal women are in work.
  • 3 out of 4 women experience symptoms, 1 in 4 could experience serious symptoms. (Menopause Support)
  • One in three of the workforce will soon be over 50, and retirement ages are now 68.
  • 90% of workplaces have no formal support for women experiencing menopause and 94% of menopausal women have experienced menopause symptoms while at work. (FORTH)

Menopause can significantly impact a woman’s work life with 63% of menopausal women saying their working life has been negatively affected by symptoms of the menopause. (FORTH)

Around one in six people (17%) have considered leaving work due to a lack of support in relation to their menopause symptoms, and a further 6% have left work. (CIPD)

Symptoms such as hot flushes, fatigue, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating can make it challenging to perform at one’s best.

Without proper support, some women may feel the need to reduce their hours or even leave their jobs. This is not only detrimental to the individual but also to businesses, which risk losing experienced, valuable employees.

About menopause

Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It’s a time when the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, marking the end of menstrual cycles. While it’s a universal experience, the way each woman navigates menopause can vary greatly.

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone. The official definition of menopause is when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. However, the lead-up to this stage, known as perimenopause, can start years earlier.

During perimenopause, you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and other symptoms. Post-menopause is the time after menopause has occurred, and although many symptoms subside, some women may still experience lingering effects.

While every woman’s experience of menopause is unique, some common symptoms include:

  • Hot flushes and night sweats
  • Mood changes
  • Sleep problems
  • Weight gain and slowed metabolism
  • Vaginal dryness and discomfort

Practical Tips for Managing Menopause

Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help manage weight, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Weight-bearing exercises like walking or yoga are particularly beneficial for maintaining bone health.

Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage weight and support overall health. Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for bone health, so include foods like leafy greens, fortified cereals, and dairy products.

Manage Stress: Menopause can be a stressful time, so finding ways to relax is essential. Consider mindfulness, meditation, or even just taking time out for yourself. The NHS offers resources and apps that can help with stress management and mental health.

Sleep Well: Creating a relaxing bedtime routine and ensuring your bedroom is cool can help combat night sweats and insomnia. If sleep problems persist, talk to your GP about possible solutions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for insomnia, which is available in many parts of the UK.

Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can be an effective treatment for many menopause symptoms. It involves taking oestrogen (and sometimes progesterone) to replace the hormones your body is no longer producing. HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, so discuss the benefits and risks with your GP to see if it’s right for you.

Stay Connected: Talking to others who are going through or have gone through menopause can be comforting. There are many online forums and support groups where women share their experiences and tips. Websites like Menopause Matters offer a wealth of information and a community of support.

Regular Health Checks: Menopause is a good time to review your health. Schedule regular check-ups with your GP to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and bone density. Staying on top of these can help you manage your health effectively during and after menopause.

Find out about our dedicated e-learning module on menopause