Today I wanted to highlight International Menopause Day.
Why?…
Well firstly it is so important people understand what it is and the impact it has on our mental, physical and emotional health. And what we can do to help ourselves.
In addition, there is a real need for organisations to become more compassionate around supporting people going through menopause. I feel there is more organisations can do to consider a more compassionate approach around issues that affect everyone at some some point in life.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a time of individual challenge and change in Midlife and can create significant personal discomfort, disorientation and professional disruption. But when we understand what we can do to help ourselves together with some awareness, compassion and care from organisations, there is much we can do to manage and thrive through this period of change. And there are considerable benefits to a business that protects, supports and enables its people to flourish during this period in life.
18th October is World Menopause Day. The purpose of this global day is to raise awareness and outline support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
Menopause is the time in a cis-gender women’s life when physiological changes occur involving reducing levels of hormone in the body that brings about a plethora of symptoms that can range from mild and uneventful through to crippling and debilitating. When it comes to your Midlife and not just surviving but thriving through and beyond it, this is one of the most profound experiences in our lives. And in reality, we are all unique, our bodies are individual and menopause can impact quite early in our lives sometimes. Some symptoms can affect us as early as in our late 30’s through into our 60’s. It often creeps up on us and generally affects all aspects of our life, health and wellbeing. We are all touched by age-related health issues as we get older, and they can affect us personally and professionally. They often unknowingly also impact those around us at home and in the workplace.
| “It is estimated that there could be more than a billion women experiencing menopause in the world by 2025 – 12 percent of the world’s population – with many still actively working”.
BSI
“There are predicted to be 1 million more workers over the age of 50 by 2025”. BSI |
It’s not just women thing!…Menopause applies just as equally to men.
“Male menopause” is the more common term for Andropause. It describes an age-related reduction of testosterone in cis-gender males, generally over 50. It carries a set of symptoms that are linked to declining testosterone levels and aging. “Not every man will experience symptoms, but the symptoms are very real for some,” says Luigi Simone, MD, Scripps Clinic
Men also need support going through the menopause/andropause. Words echoed by The Community Union. “People can suffer severe andropause that can almost be disabling.”
So why talk about Menopause and Andropause?
For those in Midlife, you may feel yourself drawing towards it or already within it. You might at times feel ‘different’, symptoms start to pop up. You might experience physical, mental and emotional changes, physical discomforts, emotional shifts, confusion. These can all be flags that start to show beyond the challenges of the everyday. And these should prompt you to reach out for support. There is actually a lot of help out there because menopause is a very real thing. It is important to remain open and curious and find out more about these subjects. To take time out for self-care and to explore what support is available.
How organisations can help…
When it comes to being employed in midlife, there is an increasingly urgent conversation to be had around the role employers play. More specifically what employers can do to improve comfort and well-being in the workplace.
‘Organisations have a duty of care for the health, safety and wellbeing of those they employ.’
There is a real challenge to protect and support people’s health and wellbeing during this time. And yet also a great opportunity for organisations to become ‘compassionate organisations’ that lead the way to a more supportive relationship-based culture with their people.
People are often at peak productivity in midlife. And when an environment is created that is attuned to meet people’s needs and supports their life choices, it becomes a place of work that enables people to contribute to and thrive within it, whilst feeling protected, supported and able to flourish as individuals. I consider my ‘PSF’ model© way of working as a nurturing state for businesses to thrive.
| “Ensuring that the physical, mental and cognitive needs and expectations of employees, in relation to their work are met in an inclusive way, can help create a culture of trust and improve workplace well-being.”
BSI |
So, lets start with you. What can you do for yourself …?
Becoming more aware and informed enables you to take more control of your life. When you are more aware of how your mind and body work and you are more informed of the symptoms and reasons for what you are experiencing, you can have more choice over how you respond to what is happening for you and make some better decisions to help yourself through this transitional time.
Managing menopause during midlife can be a challenging experience. That’s because you are dealing with not just one thing but a whole variety of issues. These might include physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, emotional stresses, reduced feelings of satisfaction with your life and even tackling discrimination, stigma and lack of awareness of the challenges that menopause brings into your professional life. But with the right strategies, you can move beyond to enjoy a rewarding work life and fulfilling personal life.
Start by understanding the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause. The facts are that 3 in 4 people who are going through their menopause transition will have symptoms that might include any of the following:
It’s a lot to deal with right. So, knowing what to expect can help you prepare for and manage the symptoms.
Look up some specialist sources of help. There are many on the Web that offer advice, guidance, and information e.g.
https://www.themenopausecharity.org/
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/
Consult a healthcare provider, preferably one with expertise in menopause, to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options. Hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies can all be considered based on your specific needs and preferences. And within your organisation contact your Employee Assistance Program providers or ask to be referred to the Occupational Health person to signpost for help
Stay hydrated throughout the and dress comfortably with breathable fabrics to help manage hot flashes. Keep a small fan with you and in workspaces let your manager know if you need extra equipment for a more comfortable work environment.
If mood swings and irritability are affecting your homelife and work, consider getting help to understand your emotions and moods and learn to manage them. For example, mindfulness, yoga, coaching, support groups.
Make self-care a priority in your daily routine. Get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and manage stress through techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Get help with your sense of self, rebalancing your self-care, or confidence etc from someone like a coach or other professional.
If your menopausal symptoms are impacting your job performance, have an open and honest conversation with your employer. They should be aware of your need for support and be able to offer some options to be a little flexible to accommodate you to work at your best.
Remember that every person’s experience with symptoms of menopause is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. However, you can also be sure that symptoms you have, others will have had too. It is important to tailor your specific needs and circumstances and to know there is support out there for you.
If you are affected by anything in this article or want to learn more or get support, contact me for a no cost discussion.
Be Well : Do Well
https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/prioritizing-people/understanding-menopause/
https://www.healthline.com/
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