The constant social media confessions of women is a testament to the toll that menopause can take on women's careers. More than 1 million women in America reach menopause every year, which means about 2800 women enter menopause each day. It won't be an exaggeration to assume that menopause may be significantly affecting the professional lives of many women daily. Yet, many women suffer in silence; some eventually leave the workforce, and the rest may choose underemployment and give up on work opportunities that require more energy, concentration, and consistency. So, does that mean it's fated because it's biological? Surely, not. Taking a few proactive steps may help women achieve a flourishing career after menopause. Continue reading to learn more.

What is menopause?

Well! Most women know what it is. Yet, it's important to address this fundamental question at the beginning. Why? You will understand as we proceed. So, menopause is nature's way of saying your reproductive capabilities have decided to say goodbye for good. Generally, the absence of periods for 12 months is the onset of menopause. It primarily occurs in women aged 45-60. However, there's more to the picture. Menopause has three stages—perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, and each stage has varied symptoms and durations. Here comes the twist. Not just menopause but perimenopause can also adversely affect women's careers. It commonly affects women in their late thirties and early forties; some women may become perimenopausal even in their early thirties. This implies a potentially higher number of women whose work lives are affected by menopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Perimenopause

• Irregular periods

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Sleep disturbances

• Mood swings

• Increased anxiety or irritability

• Vaginal dryness

• Decreased libido

• Difficulty concentrating

• Headaches

• Breast tenderness

• Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen

• Joint and muscle aches

Menopause

• Absence of menstruation

• Continuation of hot flashes and night sweats

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex

• Urinary problems, such as urgency or increased frequency

• Emotional changes like mood swings, irritability, or increased risk of depression

• Dry skin, eyes, or mouth

• Sleep disturbances

• Decreased libido

• Possible cognitive changes, like difficulty focusing or memory lapses

Post-Menopause

• Reduced symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats over time

• Increased risk of osteoporosis (bone loss)

• Higher risk of cardiovascular disease

• Vaginal atrophy leading to discomfort during intercourse

• Continued urinary tract changes (like incontinence or infections)

• Weight gain and slower metabolism

• Potential continuation of sleep disturbances

• Possible mood swings or depressive symptoms

• Dry skin and possible acceleration of general skin ageing

The severity and number of symptoms vary for each woman at every stage.

How does menopause affect women's careers?

At first, menopause may seem partially titular (or entirely, who knows? A discussion on men and menopause is due on Ginger-U). You may feel that all your professional prowess has gone on pause because of menopause.

A blend of biological, social, and cultural factors makes menopause an obstacle (though very much surmountable) in women's career progression. Biologically, menopause causes symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood fluctuations, which can challenge a woman's focus and efficiency at work. Imagine trying to concentrate on a critical task while experiencing brain fog or managing a sudden hot flash; it's understandably tough!

Socially and culturally, there's often a lack of awareness and understanding about menopause in the workplace. This lack of support can exacerbate the challenges. In many cultures, openly discussing menopause is still taboo, leaving women to navigate these bodily, emotional, psychological, and mental changes silently. Without flexible work policies or empathetic communication, women may feel pressured to maintain their performance despite their discomfort. Moreover, ageing is unfairly equated with decreased productivity in many workplaces, making menopausal women a soft target for ageism and jeopardizing their career advancement and/or job security.

How should you deal with menopause at the workplace?

You're not alone, and we've got your back with our Menopause health coaching program! Here are also some career-saving tips to manage menopause and work performance equally well.

• Ask for support: Got symptoms messing with your work mojo? Head to your GP and chat with your boss or HR manager about the requisite adjustments (for example, a small wall-mounted fan for better air circulation that can help with hot flashes). Remember, you're not asking for a vacation to Bora Bora; just some understanding and maybe a tweak in your workspace.

• Control room temperature: If you can't control the office thermostat, a personal fan can be your secret weapon against those unexpected hot flash attacks.

• Talk about it: Share your journey with colleagues or a senior leader. A problem shared is a problem halved, right? Plus, you'll be doing your bit in breaking the menopause taboo. Additionally, finding a work buddy to confide in is a good idea. It's like having your personal cheerleader in the office.

• Tweak your lifestyle: Balance your meals, cut down on the caffeine and sugar, and embrace those leafy greens. Regular exercise can be your new best friend, turning stress into sweat.

• Bust that stress: Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing – choose your solution to manage stress. It might also help shoo away that annoying hot flash faster.

• Drink more water: Keep that water bottle handy. Staying hydrated is like giving your body a cool, refreshing high-five.

• Use a women's health app: Don't underestimate the role of feminine health apps in self-care for menopause. They're like having a menopause assistant in your pocket, helping track symptoms and identify triggers.

• Look for menopause-friendly workplaces: Find companies with established menopause policies, flexible work arrangements, and a culture of open communication. A workplace that acknowledges the challenges and actively works towards creating a supportive environment for menopausal women can make a world of difference.

• Speak up: If your workplace still needs to catch up with the menopause-friendly trend, advocate for it. Approach your HR department about introducing menopause awareness and support policies. Suggest practical ideas like flexible working hours, temperature-controlled environments, and access to health and wellness resources.

• Seek professional help: If things get tough, don't shy away from seeking medical advice. There's a whole arsenal of treatments waiting to be explored. Consider taking supplements that ease menopause symptoms after consulting your doctor.

Remember, menopause isn't a full stop; it's just a comma in your career story. With the right strategies, you can survive and thrive through this phase! Check out our Menopause health coaching program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause and Career

• What is menopause and how does it affect women professionally?
  Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive period, typically occurring between ages 45-60, and includes stages like perimenopause and post-menopause. Professionally, menopause can affect women due to symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood fluctuations, and cognitive changes—potentially impacting focus and efficiency at work.

• What are the common symptoms of menopause that might impact work performance?
  Common menopause symptoms affecting work include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. These symptoms can challenge a woman’s ability to maintain consistent performance in the workplace.

• How can women manage menopause symptoms in the workplace?
  Managing menopause symptoms at work can involve asking for support from HR or your boss, controlling room temperature, talking about your experience, making lifestyle changes like balanced meals and regular exercise, managing stress through yoga or meditation, staying hydrated, and using women's health apps for tracking symptoms.

• What role do social and cultural factors play in managing menopause at work?
  Social and cultural factors can significantly impact how menopause is managed in the workplace. Lack of awareness, open communication, and support can make it difficult for women to navigate menopausal changes. Breaking the taboo around menopause and advocating for menopause-friendly policies are important steps.

• What should employers do to support menopausal women in the workplace?
  Employers can support menopausal women by creating a menopause-friendly work environment. This includes introducing flexible work arrangements, temperature-controlled environments, menopause awareness programs, and access to health and wellness resources.

• Can professional help alleviate the impact of menopause on career?
  Yes, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and supplements (after consulting a doctor) can ease menopause symptoms, thereby supporting women in maintaining their career trajectory during this transition.