The NHS Confederation now estimates that 60,000 women are not working due to menopause symptoms.
Many women have spent years, even decades, suffering in silence in the workplace, often because they’re too afraid to speak out. And because these conditions are often invisible, with no outward presenting symptoms, it can be difficult to know who’s affected.
It’s also been found that, on average, women with severe period pain miss 18 days of work every year. While 30% of those experiencing endometriosis take more than three days off a month, on average, to handle their symptoms.
Women across the country are opening up about their struggles with debilitating pelvic pain and general discomfort due to conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and menopause.
Vicky Walker, Group Director of People at Westfield Health, urges that “The menopause is a serious health and wellbeing matter that affects millions of women across the country. Indeed, there are more women of menopause age who are working than ever before.”
Understanding the menopause
Menopause is a natural part of ageing when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. This usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but early menopause can also happen, often as a side effect of certain medical treatments.
Around 8 in 10 women experience symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, mood changes, low libido, difficulty sleeping, joint aches and anxiety.
“Without proper menopause support, many women question whether they can continue with full-time work or may consider stepping back and taking a less senior role. That’s why companies must make their people feel better supported by encouraging open communication, providing easy-access advice, and having health and wellbeing options,” says Vicky. “At the same time, they should make proactive adjustments to the workplace, which can be adapted to suit individual needs. Flexible working is a great place to start.”
Myth: Menopause happens in your 50s.
Fact: The age of menopause varies.
While the average age of menopause is 51, the age of onset varies, and many people experience symptoms for a number of years. Early menopause (before age 45) can happen naturally or as a side effect of certain treatments, including cancer treatments.
Myth: Hot flushes are the main symptom.
Fact: Each person experiences the menopause differently.
There are over 30 recognised symptoms of menopause, including mood changes, difficulty sleeping, joint aches, urinary infections, anxiety and low libido. Around 80% of people experience additional symptoms before and after their periods stop.
Myth: Menopause shouldn’t affect work.
Fact: Many women find their symptoms problematic at work.
“In addition to its physical symptoms, menopause can affect confidence, concentration, energy levels, and mental health, which can negatively impact work. It might feel intimidating to talk about menopause at work, but managers should be able to make adjustments to help employees who are going through menopause perform at their best,” says Vicky.
What must be done to support women?
“As with all societal issues, there is no easy solution to the problem. However, there are a number of ways in which women can feel supported and valued, which, in turn, will help to break down the stigma around female reproductive health.”
SO, Vicky has shared THREE things that should be done to help women:
Building awareness
Awareness is key. Family and friends must speak together, advocacy across industries must be done, and companies must educate managers and HR on female health. This helps create a supportive atmosphere at home, in public, and at work where women can be more comfortable discussing their health.
Flexible working
Flexible working arrangements are a game-changer for women nationwide. Women with greater flexibility in working hours are more likely to feel empowered to manage their pain without fear of compromising their careers.
Working from home allows women suffering from symptoms to be in a comfortable environment tailored to their needs. Meanwhile, flexible hours provide the freedom to schedule work tasks around medical appointments, pain flare-ups, or moments when they feel more energetic.
Compressed workweeks can also offer women longer recovery periods to balance their work life with essential self-care for their health.
Health and wellbeing support
Women have unique health needs, which should be recognised in all health and wellbeing support.
Options like health cash plans can be especially helpful for women as they offer access to confidential GP appointments and mental and financial wellbeing support – especially when there are long wait-times for the NHS.
Likewise, private health insurance can help women get a prompt diagnosis, referral and faster access to private treatments.
These changes can help build a more inclusive and supportive environment for women. The result? Millions more women will feel empowered to speak up and seek support, and these so-called invisible illnesses can stop being so invisible.
The post Expert warns that the menopause must be taken seriously as women struggle under the radar first appeared on HR News.