Menopause is an important, often misunderstood, stage of life that has far-reaching implications for employees and employers alike. As more women stay in the workforce well into their 50s and 60s, employers need to be aware of the impact menopause can have on their workforce and how they can offer support. At Healix, we’re committed to fostering healthier work environments, which is why we hosted a webinar featuring Dr. Nitisha from our YourHealth247 Virtual GP provider, Teladoc Health, to explore the realities of menopause and its effect on women in the workplace.
In this blog, we’ll summarise the key takeaways from the webinar, covering topics such as the prevalence of symptoms, different stages of menopause, hormone changes, emotional wellbeing, treatment options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the diagnosis process. You’ll also find valuable resources and the full webinar to view at your convenience.
Understanding menopause in the workplace:
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, although symptoms can begin earlier during perimenopause. With women comprising a significant portion of today’s workforce, it’s crucial for employers to understand how this stage can affect both their physical and mental health and how workplace policies can support those going through it.
Dr. Nitisha emphasised that menopause is not simply a health issue but a workplace issue too. Employers who actively support their employees during menopause can benefit from:
- Reduced absenteeism,
- Greater productivity,
- Improved employee satisfaction.
Here are the core areas covered during the webinar:
1. Common menopause symptoms:
Menopause affects every woman differently, but there are some common symptoms that a large percentage experience.
- Hot flushes,
- Night sweats,
- Sleep disturbances, and
- Mood swings
Are some of the most common, but the list of potential symptoms is extensive. For many, these symptoms can be debilitating and last for several years, affecting work performance and overall well being.
Dr. Nitisha highlighted that understanding the variety and frequency of menopause symptoms is essential for creating an inclusive workplace. Employers should recognize that many employees may suffer in silence due to the stigma surrounding menopause and should work toward normalising the conversation around it.
2. Perimenopause and menopausal stages
Menopause doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it’s a gradual process that begins with perimenopause, when hormone levels start to fluctuate, typically in a woman’s 40s. During perimenopause, women may experience many of the symptoms of menopause even though they are still menstruating. This stage can last several years before transitioning into menopause, defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Post-menopause follows, during which time many symptoms may gradually ease, although some may persist.
By understanding these stages, employers can better support employees throughout their journey. Accommodating employees with flexible working hours, offering more frequent breaks, or providing access to medical resources are just a few ways to help them manage their symptoms.
3. Hormonal changes
The hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause are responsible for many of the physical and emotional symptoms women experience. As oestrogen and progesterone levels decline, the body responds in ways that can significantly disrupt daily life. Dr. Nitisha explained how these hormonal changes can lead to symptoms such as:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Decreased energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating (often referred to as “brain fog”)
- Changes in mood and mental health
These changes can have a profound impact on an employee’s ability to focus and perform at work. Employers should be mindful of how these hormonal shifts affect their workforce and consider implementing menopause-friendly workplace policies, such as allowing more flexible working arrangements.
4. Emotional wellbeing
The emotional toll of menopause is often underestimated. Many women experience anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings, which can exacerbate work-related stress. Dr. Nitisha emphasised the importance of addressing the mental health aspects of menopause, as these emotional changes can sometimes be more challenging to manage than the physical symptoms.
Encouraging open conversations about mental health, providing access to counselling services, and fostering a supportive work environment are critical steps employers can take to support the emotional wellbeing of their employees during this time.
5. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most well-known treatments for managing menopause symptoms. Dr. Nitisha provided a detailed overview of how HRT works, its benefits, and potential risks. HRT involves supplementing the body with oestrogen (and sometimes progesterone) to replace the hormones that are no longer being produced, which can alleviate many symptoms.
However, HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, and the decision to start HRT should be based on an individual’s medical history and preferences. Dr. Nitisha encouraged employers to provide access to healthcare professionals, such as the YourHealth247 Virtual GP service, who can help employees make informed decisions about their treatment options.
6. Diagnosis
Receiving a formal menopause diagnosis can be a relief for many women, as it often explains the range of symptoms they’ve been experiencing. Dr. Nitisha discussed how menopause is diagnosed based on the combination of symptoms, age, and sometimes blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing menopause symptoms effectively. Employers can support their employees by offering access to healthcare resources and encouraging them to seek medical advice if they are struggling with symptoms.
The role of employers in supporting menopause
Menopause is often an overlooked topic in the workplace, but it doesn’t have to be. Employers can play a pivotal role in making sure their employees feel supported during this stage of life. Some steps employers can take include:
- Providing Education: Offering menopause awareness training for managers and staff can help foster a supportive environment.
- Flexible Working Options: Flexible hours, remote working options, or even allowing employees to take breaks when symptoms are severe can make a big difference.
- Access to Healthcare Services: Providing access to virtual GP services, like YourHealth247 from Teladoc Health, gives employees a convenient way to get medical advice.
- Open Conversations: Encourage open discussions about menopause and normalise it as a topic in the workplace.
At Healix, we offer customisable healthcare support which includes access to menopause support through our bespoke benefits design offering. Take a look at the benefits available in a Healix corporate healthcare trust here.
Helpful Resources
For further support and guidance, here are some useful resources:
Watch the Full Webinar
If you missed the live session, you can catch up by watching the full webinar below. Dr. Nitisha offers valuable insights into the complexities of menopause and provides practical advice for both employees and employers.
Menopause is a natural stage of life that deserves recognition and understanding in the workplace. By providing the right support and resources, employers can help their employees thrive through this transition and continue contributing to their fullest potential.
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