Menopause in the workplace: We’re trying to make a change

IF you are of a certain age then you may have suffered from some of the following symptoms: Hot flushes, mood swings, lack of energy, disturbed sleep and even a surprising loss of memory.

However, I bet many of us won’t have spoken to our employers about any of these symptoms.

Menopause is often joked about, but for those who can be affected for years, it is an experience which they only share with the closest of friends.

It’s a shocking fact that 42% out of 500 individuals who took part in a survey had considered leaving their job because of the menopause.

This survey followed the launch of a new inquiry into workplace practices by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee.

It has been found that almost a million had left jobs because of menopausal symptoms in their 40s and 50s, when the reality is, they could be at the peaks of their careers.

As my colleague, Caroline Nokes, said: “Three in every five women are negatively affected at work as a result of menopause.

“The repercussions of that are not merely individual. Excluding those who are menopausal from the workplace is detrimental to our economy, our society and our place on the world stage.” As I approached the menopause, I noticed some of the symptoms such as tiredness and loss of memory and as a consequence visited my GP and was prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Taking HRT can provide relief from symptoms such as disturbed sleep and lack of energy and also help towards a preventing osteoporosis.

It is worth noting, that some types of HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer, though its benefits generally outweigh the risks and your GP will talk these through with you.

Some may decide not to take HRT and find alternative remedies, such as red clover, more beneficial or indeed to go naturally through the menopause.

Having been on HRT for a few years now, I have regular check-ups to make sure that I am in good health and, of course, since becoming 50, have had regular breast screening every three years.

I know that there will be many reading this article whose mental health will have been adversely affected by going through menopause.

Worryingly, according to the

Harvard Medical School, the incidence of depression doubles during this time.

It is common for mood changes to accompany menopausal symptoms and these moods are worth monitoring, alongside other factors such as sleep and stress levels.

Professional help should be sought if symptoms are severe and interfere with daily life.

The medics also suggest making lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise and making sure of adequate sleep.

The good news is that MPs are alive to the issues which menopause brings and the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee will be scrutinising legislation and workplace practices to find out if enough is being done to address the issue.

It is also planning to create laws to protect women going through it against discrimination.

In the meantime, if you are struggling with menopausal symptoms, please reach out to your GP or others for advice and help.

And, remember, it is only temporary.

I and many other women are living proof that life doesn’t end after the menopause.

So, please, tell your manager if you are struggling, speak to your family or friends, and consult your GP. They may be able to help more than you think.

I and many other women are living proof that life doesn’t end after the menopause.