Menopause

For every ten women experiencing menopausal symptoms, six say it has a negative impact on their work, according to research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

The University Menopause guidance raises awareness of menopause-related issues at work and assists managers in supporting staff who are experiencing menopause and associated symptoms. You can also join the menopause-staff-chat slack channel for support and discussion from fellow staff members (university login required). 

The menopause is a natural process of ageing and typically occurs between 45-55 years of age, the UK average age is 51. Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop, however sometimes they can stop suddenly. 

Symptoms

Most women experience some menopause symptoms, the duration and severity of which will vary. These can have a significant impact on your daily life. Please do not be afraid or embarrassed to discuss with your line manager if you feel this is affecting your ability to work. 

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• difficulty sleeping
• vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
• headaches
• mood changes
• palpitations
• joint stiffness, aches and pains. 

Treatments

The main treatment for menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) however there are other treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage the symptoms. 

Resources

• NHS - An overview of menopause
• International Menopause Society
• BBC Radio - Nine tips to help you cope with menopause