Supporting women with menopausal disorders to be active at work

For a long time, women have suffered the symptoms of menopause and menopause in silence, without support from their employers. Not only does this impact individuals, but it can also impact a company’s bottom line. So why aren’t more employers trying to help their employees cope with these changes?

Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for at least 12 months. It most commonly occurs in people’s 50s, with the average age in the United States being 52 years. It can be a natural result of the aging process, induced by surgery or medication, or related to an underlying health condition. However, the transition period, also known as perimenopause, which usually begins in your 40s or 50s, can bring with it some unpleasant symptoms that can affect your quality of life and work performance.

Here, we discuss how perimenopause and menopause can affect work life, and how companies can better support employees facing these changes. Here’s what the experts have to say.

difficult symptoms

Symptoms of menopause and menopause are often dismissed as “just part of the process,” but they can be extremely disruptive to people’s ability to work and reduce their overall quality of life. There is.

Jen Gunter, M.D., a Bay Area obstetrician-gynecologist and author of The Menopause Manifesto, and Judith Joseph, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist, researcher, award-winning content creator, and author of High Functioning. are two of the practitioners who are leading the way in new medicine. The “Magic of Menopause” class was offered via streaming on the online learning platform MasterClass with Halle Berry, Oscar-winning actor, director, producer, and founder of the women’s longevity community Respin.

Dr. Gunter said: Just like pregnancy, there are many different experiences. If women have medical concerns, they may feel embarrassed to talk about them. ”

Sean Tassone, M.D., an American holistic gynecologist and author of the Hormone Balance Bible, says that even when people mention their problems, their concerns can often be ignored. She added that requests for accommodations are often not taken seriously. In healthcare, like in most industries, people don’t listen to women. When you go to HR or complain to your boss, even if the HR person or boss is a woman, you may be made to feel like you’re gaslit-prone or asking for too much.

Again, every woman’s experience is different, but some very common symptoms include difficulty concentrating due to lack of sleep, interruptions due to hot flashes, and brain fog, says Dr. Gunter. “Women may also need more time from work to attend medical exams, and may also miss work for reasons such as heavy bleeding, bladder infections, or depression.” Many. of women also experience mood changes, anxiety, and decreased energy levels due to hormonal changes, all of which can negatively impact work performance.

Changes in body composition and feeling less able to work at a previous capacity can also damage a woman’s self-esteem, encourage excessive worry, and reduce her quality of life, Dr. Joseph said. Add function. Additionally, she says, she “could potentially walk away from a project, decline a leadership position, or resign.” Others may perceive the person to be no longer competent. ” This lack of understanding exacerbates the gender pay gap.

However, shedding light on this experience can be very helpful, especially for those experiencing menopause or menopause. She explains: “Our brains influence our bodies, and our bodies influence our brains. Understanding the mind-body connection helps patients understand the mental health of menopause and menopause.” ” Understanding why these changes are occurring and what they mean can help you avoid feelings of remorse and shame. Less, she says.

Supporting women’s success in the office

For those working in an office, Tassone said: “It’s great when companies can provide assistance to women in need. They run lecture series and pay for memberships to programs where women can benefit from learning from experts. ”Tassone, who has worked with companies to launch this type of initiative, helps women pay for menopause-related medical visits and, if necessary, medication. It is also proposed that a program be created to receive such training. Dr. Gunter added that having period products in office bathrooms, providing plenty of time off, and being able to change the temperature can also go a long way in supporting employees.

Supporting people working virtually

Some people may feel that the ability to work from home allows them to better control their environment (like keeping the thermostat at a comfortable temperature) and manage their energy, but it can also be a challenge, especially if you’re dealing with brain fog. Some people may find it more difficult. Spending time alone can also make you feel lonely.

Tassone says the environment that women could benefit from is similar in many ways to working in an office. their homes, children, or other large employees. In addition to seeking the help of a healthcare provider who is trained to support them, he also recommends adopting healthy daily habits to feel better, such as increasing outdoor activity. I’m doing it. “Just walking in the sunshine and grounding yourself can help you feel a little better and be more productive at work.”

Dr. Gunter added that flexible working hours and environments can also be helpful, such as the option to work from home if needed if you normally work in an office.

Resources that make a difference

While she would like to see more companies quickly verify menopause-related concerns and offer support, “I think women need to be their own best advocates.” states. She also suggests that human resources departments keep an up-to-date list of menopause and menopause symptoms so they can decide how to help. If necessary, employees seeking help can be asked for a doctor’s note, he added.

Dr. Joseph said, “Training employers and teams about physiology, biology, and neurological changes will reduce bias. A diverse workplace benefits us all. Women face challenges. Women in midlife are often at the height of their expertise and experience and should be supported, not dismissed because of their experiences. And there are a lot of things. We need to recognize when she needs help and support her by providing her with training, executive skills training, or organizational skills training. Benefit plans should include HRT, sleep interventions, and behavioral health services to help keep them in the workforce.”

Additionally, she says, “Changing your workflow to focus on one of your priorities, if you find it beneficial, may help until your symptoms resolve.” . Some employees have coping strategies for things like ADHD and neurodivergentness. It would be helpful to have strategies in place to support women struggling with mental health conditions such as menopause and menopause. The same is true for women, who can develop severe depression, anxiety, and other worsened mental health symptoms. They need support, not shame. ”

Dr. Gunter says, “Making managers aware of menopause and holding educational sessions can let women know it’s safe to discuss whether they need accommodations. Even if they can control the temperature of the room, It helps…research shows that many women suffer from symptoms at work, so getting the workplace involved can be beneficial for everyone.”