October 18th marks World Menopause Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about menopause, the challenges that come with it, and why we need to break the stigma surrounding it. Menopause is a natural biological process that every woman will go through, yet it remains a topic that many shy away from discussing. This silence is harmful not only to women but to society as a whole, as it perpetuates a lack of understanding and support.

In this blog, we will explore what menopause is, why it needs to stop being a taboo topic, the physical and emotional effects it has on women, the struggles women face during menopause, and how workplaces can become more inclusive to support those experiencing this life stage.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although some women experience it earlier or later. Menopause is defined as having gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, and it occurs due to a decrease in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Menopause can be divided into three stages:

Perimenopause:

Perimenopause is the phase before menopause, usually starting in a woman’s 40s but sometimes earlier. It can last months or years. Hormone levels fluctuate, causing irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings. Sleep disturbances, night sweats, and changes in libido are common. Periods may be heavier, lighter, or inconsistent. Fertility decreases, but pregnancy is still possible.

Menopause:

Menopause occurs when a woman has gone 12 months without a period. It typically happens around age 51. This stage signals the end of reproductive years, with hormone production dropping significantly. Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats may continue, but vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex often increase. Lower estrogen raises the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, requiring lifestyle adjustments for better health.

Post menopause:

Post menopause refers to the years after menopause. Symptoms like hot flashes usually fade, but some may continue for years. Health risks increase due to low estrogen levels. Women in post menopause are more likely to develop osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues. Vaginal dryness, slower metabolism, and thinning hair are common. A focus on bone health, heart health, and regular check-ups is important for long-term well-being.

Why Menopause Needs to Stop Being a Taboo Topic

For far too long, menopause has been shrouded in silence, leaving women to navigate this phase of life without adequate support. This silence is rooted in societal stigmas surrounding aging, femininity, and women’s health. However, keeping menopause a taboo topic does a disservice not only to women but to everyone. Here’s why:

Lack of Awareness:

When we don’t talk about menopause, many women don’t know what to expect. This lack of awareness can lead to confusion, anxiety, and frustration as they experience unfamiliar symptoms. Moreover, healthcare providers may not always offer adequate information or treatment options due to the lack of open dialogue around the subject.

Mental Health Impact:

The stigma surrounding menopause can lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment. Women may feel like they are losing control over their bodies and emotions, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

Workplace Discrimination:

Silence around menopause in the workplace can result in discrimination. Without understanding the challenges women face during menopause, employers may fail to provide the necessary support, leading to negative career consequences, including burnout or even job loss.

Missed Opportunities for Support:

Open discussions about menopause can lead to better education and support networks. When we normalise conversations about menopause, we empower women to seek the help they need and encourage healthcare professionals, workplaces, and communities to offer appropriate resources and accommodations.

How Menopause Affects Women

Menopause can affect women in different ways, both physically and emotionally. Some women may sail through menopause with minimal discomfort, while others experience severe symptoms that affect their quality of life. Here are some of the most common symptoms and struggles:

Physical Symptoms:

Hot flashes and night sweats:

These are the most well-known symptoms of menopause and can occur suddenly, causing discomfort and sleep disruptions.

Sleep disturbances:

Hormonal changes can lead to insomnia or frequent waking during the night, which contributes to fatigue and irritability during the day.

Weight gain and slowed metabolism:

Many women experience weight gain during menopause, which can be difficult to manage due to hormonal changes.

Joint pain and stiffness:

Menopause can bring on aches and pains, making it difficult for some women to engage in physical activities they once enjoyed.

Bone loss:

The decline in estrogen can lead to bone density loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Emotional and Mental Health Challenges:

Mood swings:

Fluctuating hormones can cause emotional highs and lows, leading to irritability, anxiety, or depression.

Memory and concentration problems:

Many women report “brain fog” during menopause, making it harder to focus and remember things.

Low libido:

A decrease in estrogen can result in vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex, leading to a reduced sex drive and intimacy challenges in relationships.

Social and Professional Struggles:

Impact on relationships:

Menopause can strain personal relationships, as partners and family members may not understand the physical and emotional challenges women face.

Workplace challenges:

Many women report difficulties managing their careers during menopause. Symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes, and brain fog can hinder productivity, while the stigma around menopause may make it difficult to ask for accommodations.

How Workplaces Can Be More Inclusive to Menopause

As more women remain in the workforce into their 50s and beyond, it’s vital that employers create inclusive environments that support women experiencing menopause. Here are some practical ways workplaces can become more menopause-friendly:

Raise Awareness:

Employers can organise workshops or training sessions to educate staff about menopause, its symptoms, and its impact on women’s lives. By fostering a culture of openness, workplaces can help reduce stigma and encourage empathy among colleagues.

Flexible Working Hours:

Menopause can lead to fatigue and sleep disturbances, making it difficult for some women to adhere to a strict 9-to-5 schedule. Allowing flexible working hours or remote work options can make it easier for women to manage their symptoms and maintain their productivity.

Temperature Control and Rest Areas:

Hot flashes can be uncomfortable, especially in a typical office environment. Workplaces can support women by offering flexible dress codes, adjustable thermostats, and rest areas where women can take a break if they experience a sudden hot flash.

Provide Menopause-Specific Health Benefits:

Many women need professional support to manage their menopause symptoms. Offering health insurance plans that cover menopause-related treatments or access to specialists can significantly improve their well-being.

Encourage Open Dialogue:

Finally, creating an environment where women feel comfortable talking about their experiences without fear of judgment or discrimination is key to fostering a menopause-inclusive workplace. Employers can establish employee resource groups or support networks for women going through menopause, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and advice.