Managing Menopause in the Workplace

My work area is covered in Post It notes so I don’t forget any important projects or meetings.

 I have a full change of clothes (including 3 pairs of panties) in my desk in case I sneeze or have a crazy hot flash at work.

 My [male] boss is 20 years my senior and pretty sure has no idea what menopause is.

 I’m so tired all the time. I really want to ask my boss if I could come in an hour later and stay an hour later, but I’m too embarrassed to ask and don’t want special treatment.

 My younger co-workers are constantly mocking me for having a fan on at my desk, even in the winter. They just don’t understand what it’s like for women in midlife!

These are just some of the comments my clients have made over the last few years when the subject of menopause and the workplace comes up. It's not easy. And being surrounded by people that can’t relate or have no idea makes it even harder to deal with at times.

 Surveys show that a majority of women are unwilling to discuss menopause-related health issues with managers, most of whom are men or are younger than them.

 Here’s the deal - this new season known as peri/menopause is going to happen. You can’t out-diet it, out-smart it, or outrun it! It’s inevitable and it’s natural.  And while it’s natural and part of life that EVERY woman will experience, it can definitely wreak havoc not only in your personal life, but also your work life.

 The age of retirement is slowly rising, meaning women will have to work for many years beyond menopause. Managers very rarely (if ever) discuss menopause, leaving you feeling alone. You too may be reluctant to discuss such personal issues, but it’s important for employers to acknowledge that menopause exists, and hopefully provide some simple small adjustments to make work life a little better for you.

 Things like poor ventilation, having the thermostat up too high or the bathroom too far away can make symptoms worse. You should not have to hide your symptoms. Opening up and having an honest, private discussion between you and your boss can make work life much more manageable and avoid misunderstandings that could arise.

 I know, you’re sitting here thinking “She’s crazy! That is never going to happen!”

 So for those of you that feel like you can’t be open or you're just not ready to have that conversation - let’s get into some ways you can manage menopause like a boss in the workplace!!

 Coping with symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue are hard at any time, but when they happen at work it can cause even more challenges.

 The occasional joke with friends about wonky hormones or senior moments is okay outside of the workplace, but when you're trying to maintain professionalism and confidence, you probably opt to keep most of your private life private.

 With small changes to your work environment, and some minor adjustments to your daily routine you may be able to continue doing your job with very little interruptions, depending of course on how much control you have of your work environment, the severity of your symptoms, and the actual job you do.

 Fun Fact: 80% of women ages 45-60 that are in the workforce will have peri/menopause symptoms and of those 80%, 25% will have severe symptoms.

Some common symptoms include: