Menopause at ‘work’
Wow – this blog has taken me over 3 weeks to write with so much going on in the press & on TV about the peri menopause and menopause this month – to listen to, to read, to watch, absorb & then pen to paper (so to speak) – in amongst memory, brain fog, fatigue & concentration lapses – the joys of cognitive decline during peri and menopause (You get this, right!?)
So, I am going to keep it as succinct & as helpful as I can with some useful stats from the Fawcett society (we are not alone here ladies) & tips to support us with our peri and/or menopause journeys at work. OK, it may be a long one…
Menopause at work – What has one got to do with the other?
Sometimes nothing. And it would be great if that was always the case. Some women sail through their menopause with barely a symptom, but it is not an easy transition for us all.
Impact of us women at work (taken from Menopause at Work report – Fawcett Society)
…”44% of women who have been employed during the menopause said their ability to work had been affected, comprising 18% of women who said that their symptoms currently affected their ability to do their jobs, and 26% in the past. 61% said that they had lost motivation at work due to their symptoms, and 52% said they had lost confidence. 26% of women who have been employed during the menopause had taken time of work due to their symptoms, but just 30% of them gave menopause as the main reason on their sick note.”
Leading to us cutting down or leaving work…
“…One in ten (10%) women have left work due to menopause symptoms. Mapped on to the UK population that would represent an estimated 333,000 women who tell us they have left a job due to the menopause. 14% of women had reduced their hours at work, 14% had gone part-time, and 8% had not applied for promotion. Menopause is clearly a cause of women’s careers stalling, and a factor in the size of the gender pay gap…”
We’re not alone.
Did you watch Davina’s programme on the first bank holiday of this month? What were your thoughts about the effect on our working lives?
I found it fascinating the influence our oestrogen levels can have on our brain function. Brain fog, concentration, memory loss – anyone? Or have you lost sight of the last few sentences you’ve just read?
To hear that 7 out of 10 women, experience brain fog & 1 in 10 have left work due to menopause symptoms was quite alarming to hear, yet strangely comforting at the same time –not just me then?
The Business in the Community survey (taken from Fawcett report) found that the main symptoms affecting women at work were fatigue, followed by hot flushes, focus and concentration and anxiety (40%, 35%, 34%, and 32% of respondents).
So, what can be done to support ourselves at work AND what can we do to help ourselves & our employers too (whether we are PAYE or self-employed)
The ‘top five’
1.Psycho-education – educate ourselves about the peri & menopause – so we can ‘normalise’ our experiences – both physical & cognitive & in turn, if we choose to do so, educate our employer too (if we have one) around our needs & wants to support ourselves at work.
In employment? You can request reasonable adjustments within your workplace to help you manage your peri and/or peri menopausal symptoms, such as:
- flexible working
- requesting a different uniform if you are experiencing hot flushes
- moving to a cooler part of the office or asking for a fan
- using technology where it can help you, e.g. setting up reminders on your phone or taking more notes to help with ‘brain fog’
It is useful to think about the practical changes that will help you. If you have access to an occupational health service, you can speak to them about support and work adjustments.
If you have supportive work colleagues talk about your experiences with them, you may find that you are not alone.
And outside of the workplace, you can consider lifestyle changes such as taking part in exercise or walking more as well as eating a healthy balanced diet. You could also look for local Menopause Cafes or social media groups online to speak to people going through a similar experience – the latter has been a life saver for me.
And when you are working from home too or self-employed, think regular breaks – stretch, move – could be ‘NEAT’ (one to look up, if you are not familiar) – e.g. hoovering or running up & down the stairs, bone & muscle strengthening exercises, yoga poses, mediation, breathwork, time out for a walk or getting out in nature.
- Check in with your employer (if this fits your work status) to see how they are supporting us ladies in the workplace with their perimenopause and/or menopause. Many organisations already are, both public and private sector – large and small. Leading the way are Boots, HSBC UK, Sainsbury’s Group, Next PLC, Aviva, ATOS, Southeastern Railways & Carnival UK. Do they run training/education for employers & managers? Do they have a menopause policy? Do they provide flexible working options? Do they provide access to support networks? More & more employers are offering support. If yours do not to date, how can you spearhead change and be part of the education process for change. Be that spokesperson – to help adapt absence policies or make environmental changes. Share your journal of symptoms with your manager to track patterns & raise awareness in the workplace.
- Good nutrition & supplements (a good multi-vitamin, omega 3 (fish oil), vitamin C & D, magnesium to name a few are essentials) – think about setting yourself up for the day with a good breakfast – slow-release carbs – thinking full fat yoghurt, oats, berries nuts & seeds (or eggs if you prefer hot) & preparing & taking your lunch (or to hand if you are at home) – healthy fats & protein – tone down the carbs & 3 pm sugar fix, as this will play havoc with your cortisol level & send you off on a blood sugar rollercoaster. Try to keep away from ultra-unprocessed foods. Nourish your mind & body. Keep hydrated
- Contact your GP – take along a checklist of symptoms. Be on the front foot & own your peri and/or menopause journey. Taking medication (am referring to HRT here) to support your menopause is down to individual choice and as well as whether you are able to, too (given any genetic history, previous or pre-existing medical conditions). The up-to-date news about affording pharmacies the ability to offer & prescribe HRT alternatives (given recent shortages) will be a step forward to continue to help women with brain fog, concentration, memory loss & other cognitive challenges that can affect our daily working lives.
So, if you have not already, tune into Davina, aired on Monday 2 May, talking about brain fog & concentration and how HRT can support with protection against Alzheimer’s if you are able to take, yet haven’t yet or considering it. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/davina-mccall-sex-myths-and-the-menopause.
Link here too, to my YouTube videos on brain fog, fatigue & hot flushes & much more. https://linktr.ee/claritykent. Look out for my returning series of videos, coming soon.
And Fawcett Society report: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/ published in ‘Menopause News’
And finally, if you would like therapy, for me to support you in your peri and/or menopause journey, after reading this, hit the get in touch tab on my website.
