Menopause in the workplace

Menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on all aspects of your life, including at work. Not everyone going through the menopause will want to discuss their symptoms with managers or colleagues. 

But if you do, it’s important you should feel supported, understood and heard.

In the Winter 2023-24 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange, writes about the impact of the menopause on work, and how workplace stress can make your symptoms worse. 

She also discusses how you can help yourself, and how your workplace should proactively be able to help you.

“The impact of the menopause at work shouldn’t be underestimated,” says Norma Goldman. “Physical and emotional symptoms can have a huge impact, not only affecting women who are going through the menopause, but also their colleagues. 

"Many women don’t seek the help they need, instead suffering in silence, but they shouldn’t be embarrassed to bring up the topic of the menopause. It’s important to make sure that their colleagues understand what they are going through, and that their workplace provides practical help and support.”

Other articles in the Winter 2023-24 issue of The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter include Progestogens in HRT, Osteoporosis after the menopause, and Digestive problems at the menopause, as well as news, Ask the Experts Q&As and information about Norma Goldman’s webinars, talks and workshops.

The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is unbiased and independent and isn’t sponsored by any companies or organisations. Our free quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top UK medical experts, including menopause consultants, GPs, specialist menopause nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and complementary practitioners. We also include news, book reviews and our ‘Ask the experts’ page. Each issue of The Menopause Exchange’s free quarterly newsletter is emailed to over 13,000 people, including women, men, healthcare professionals, complementary therapists, workplace managers and journalists.

Menopause webinars: Your readers may be interested in organising a webinar for their family and friends or workplace. For over 24 years, Norma Goldman has been presenting menopause talks and workshops. Her in-depth knowledge has helped thousands of women enjoy a more comfortable menopause. 

She’s now hosting her own regular webinars via Zoom. Norma’s ‘Understanding the menopause’ webinar is suitable for women at or approaching the menopause, women who have had a premature menopause (before age 40) or a hysterectomy, or anyone with an interest in women’s midlife health. Post-menopausal women can attend presentations too. 

If women join the webinar, they’ll be able to ask questions, receive a factsheet and hear about other women’s experiences. To attend a webinar, arrange one for a group of friends or to find out more information, women should e-mail norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or call 020 8420 7245.

To join The Menopause Exchange, anyone can sign up for free on our website, http://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. You can also find them  on Facebook and X/Twitter (@MenopauseExch).

Menopause management at work

The menopause can trigger a variety of symptoms including hot flushes, or flashes, poor concentration, mood swings and frequent urination. With women making up 45% of the over-50s in the workforce in the UK, it’s important these symptoms can be managed effectively in the work environment.

In the 50th issue (Autumn 2011) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Norma Goldman (founder and director of The Menopause Exchange) looks at how troublesome menopausal symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman’s work performance. She also covers menopause management options, simple self-help measures and key ways to raise the awareness of the menopause amongst employers and work colleagues.

“Stress at work can worsen some menopausal symptoms,” says Norma Goldman. “This effect can be increased by having to make decisions about how to cope with the menopause and take extra time off work to consult a doctor.

"I present talks on the menopause to companies, organisations and groups of women, as well as videos and podcasts, with the aim of helping working women cope with the menopause. The Menopause Exchange can help employers with health and safety policies related to the menopause and offers corporate membership (including newsletters and fact sheets).”

The Menopause Exchange is completely independent – it’s not sponsored by any companies and is funded purely by subscriptions from individuals and healthcare professionals. Other articles in the Autumn 2011 issue include oestrogen-only and ‘bleed’ HRT, menopausal symptoms you may not recognise and weight gain at the menopause.

To celebrate the 50th issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, we have a special offer for new members.

Become a member of The Menopause Exchange before the end of January 2012 to receive our special offer. This includes one free back issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter and two free fact sheets in addition to the usual membership entitlements. (Members of The Menopause Exchange receive four issues of the newsletter, regular fact sheets, use of the information service and access to the ‘Ask the Experts’ panel). Annual individual membership to The Menopause Exchange is £18.

Visit The Menopause Exchange website at www.menopause-exchange.co.uk.

For more information on The Menopause Exchange, write to The Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS, call 020 8420 7245, fax 020 8954 2783 or send an
e-mail to norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk