Menopause has often been a topic discussed quietly among close friends or trusted coworkers, but it is rarely addressed openly in workplace settings. Unfortunately, menopause has been stigmatized as a negative aspect of aging, and the lack of communication about its symptoms often leads to misinformation. As a result, women may feel ostracized in an environment where they spend a significant part of their day. “The change” has frequently been presented almost as a scare tactic. However, menopause is a natural part of aging. As women grow older, the hormone production in their ovaries or ovarian follicles decreases, leading to various changes in the body. The hormones that primarily decrease during menopause are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
It is essential to openly discuss perimenopause and menopause, especially since a considerable portion of our workforce is approaching the age when symptoms typically begin to develop. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up nearly 47 percent of the modern workforce. Many of these women are Gen X or Millennials and are in or nearing their 40s, which means a significant number of working adults may be experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms.
Below is a list of common perimenopausal symptoms. Women as young as 35 can experience these symptoms, but it usually affects individuals aged 45-50.
- Migraines
- Brain fog
- Depression
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Heart palpitations
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Irregular periods
The following symptoms are associated with menopause, which is the stage following perimenopause, and can affect individuals up to age 60:
- Urinary urgency
- Night sweats
- Mood changes
- Skin changes
- Decreased libido
- Bone loss
- Weight gain
- Heart palpitations
- Breast discomfort
- Vaginal dryness
- Irregular periods
- Joint pain
- Hair loss or thinning
Everyone’s experience with these stages is unique. It is best to consult a healthcare provider if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause. Severe symptoms can lead to increased absenteeism and even cause women to leave the workforce altogether. A recent survey conducted in the UK revealed that 23% of working women have considered quitting due to the impact of menopause or menstrual symptoms at work, and over one in ten (14%) are actively planning to leave.
Enhancing communication and support around women’s health can help retain our skilled and knowledgeable multigenerational workers while reducing the estimated annual loss of $1.8 billion in the United States due to absenteeism and women leaving the workforce. Resources such as “The Menopause Society” have made conversations around menopause easier between employers and employees. By learning and utilizing resources such as these, we can create a supportive environment for women in the workforce and keep our workforce strong.
Sources:
1.“Making Menopause Work | the Menopause Society.” The Menopause Society, 12 Sept. 2024, menopause.org/workplace.
2. Team, Content. “Menopause in the Workplace | 3.5m Lacking Support | UK.” Work in Mind, 22 Nov. 2023, workinmind.org/2023/11/22/3-5-million-women-have-considered-quitting-jobs-due-to-lack-of-menopause-support/.
3. Tatum, Megan. “Without Support, Many Menopausal Workers Are Quitting Their Jobs.” Www.bbc.com, 9 Apr. 2024, www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240408-menopause-women-job-quits.
4. Cleveland Clinic. “Menopause: Age, Stages, Signs, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 24 June 2024, y.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause.
5. Loehrke, Janet. “Women Have Made Strides in the US Workforce: Five Charts.” USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024, www.usatoday.com/story/news/graphics/2024/03/03/womens-history-month-gains-pay-gaps/72774746007/.
6. Mayo Clinic. “Perimenopause – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 25 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666.
