Thing You Should Know About Perimenopause And Menopause
As women journey through different stages of life, one significant transition they face is perimenopause and menopause. These natural processes bring about hormonal changes that can impact various aspects of health and well-being, including work performance. As a young company, we support any change that will help women in the workplace.
If someone you know is going through the menopause, the symptoms and changes they feel can have an impact on you and those around them, whether that’s their children, partner, friend, colleague or employee.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause, often referred to as the menopausal transition, typically begins several years before menopause and can begin as early as in the 30s. Most people know about hot flushes, but during this time, women may experience some, but not all, irregular periods, changes in periods becoming heavier or lighter, dry skin, dry eyes, mood swings, anxiety, racing heartbeat, sleep disturbances, brain fog, mental health issues, migraines, muscle and joint pain and many other symptoms as their estrogen levels fluctuate.
What is the menopause?
Menopause marks the end of period menstruation and fertility, usually occurring around the age of 50. But all the symptoms listed above may continue beyond menopause.
While perimenopause and menopause are natural phases of life, they can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, including her ability to perform effectively at work.
Research shows that one in ten women surveyed who have worked during the menopause have left their jobs due to symptoms, while two thirds of working women between the ages of 40 and 60 with experience of menopausal symptoms said they have had a mostly negative impact on them at work.
Women are literally leaving their jobs because the perimenopause is making them feel they can’t do it anymore. One of the key is raising awareness and understanding of perimenopause and menopause in the workplace. By educating managers and employees about the symptoms and challenges associated with these stages, companies can create a more supportive environment where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences and seeking help when needed.
Furthermore, we recommend implementing flexible working arrangements to accommodate the fluctuating symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. This could include options such as flexible hours, remote working, or adjustments to workload and responsibilities. By offering flexibility, companies can help alleviate some of the stress and discomfort experienced by women during this time, allowing them to continue contributing effectively to the workforce.
In addition to flexibility, we encourage companies to provide access to appropriate support and resources for women going through perimenopause and menopause. This may include access to healthcare professionals for advice and treatment options, as well as information about lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms.
By prioritising the well-being of employees experiencing perimenopause and menopause, companies can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women of all ages. Not only does this benefit individual employees, but it also contributes to a more positive and productive work environment overall.