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According to the CIPD, women over the age of 50 are the fastest growing segment of the workforce. Most women will go through the menopause transition during their working lives, and for a Trust where 80% of our staff are women, providing appropriate support is essential.
As a Trust, we have developed a range of workplace support initiatives to help staff who may be struggling with menopausal symptoms at work. To find out more about how we can support staff both at work and beyond, please click on the link below:
Symptoms of menopause
Symptoms of menopause
Did you know there are over 34 recognised symptoms of the menopause? It's no surprise therefore that over 90% of women will suffer from some of these symptoms when they go through the menopause.
During menopause a person’s brain and mood can be affected causing:
During menopause a person’s brain and mood can be affected causing:
low mood and anxiety
sleep problems
fatigue and/or dizziness
brain fog leading to reduced concentration
poor information retention and a reduced ability to learn
unexplained mood swings, irritability and emotional outbursts
a lack of confidence
anxiety or panic disorder
These symptoms can impact on an individual’s performance in terms of coping strategies, pressure of dealing with deadlines and priorities.
Other symptoms can include:
Other symptoms can include:
heart beating rapidly or strongly
sudden changes to body temperature, which include daytime sweats and flushes; sudden heat or redness in face; night time sweats and flushes.
dry eyes and dry mouth
tinnitus
lungs can be affected as they may develop new allergies or existing allergies can become worse. For example, asthma, hay fever, dermatitis
the abdomen and gut can be affected as people may gain weight, develop bloating, abdominal cramps, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), sickness or nausea
women can experience urogenital problems which bring about greater urgency and/or more frequent trips to the toilet.
irregular periods, heavy bleeding, water retention and bloating
general skin itchiness, allergies such as dermatitis and thinning skin
nails can become dry and brittle
problems with bones, muscles, joints and nerves
loss of libido
headache
The menopause is often misdiagnosed. According to the Menopause Charity, symptoms can be mistaken for Depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Cystitis, Thrush and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Use their Symptom Checker to ensure you're fully aware of all symptoms, and how they change over time as strategies and treatments are put in place to support you.
Talk to someone!
Talk to someone!
Share how you're feeling with your GP, your family and your friends.
Get in contact with one of our Trust Menopause Ambassadors who will be able to help you at work.
Your GP will be able to arrange a blood test to confirm if you are menopausal; rule out other conditions which may have similar symptoms, and discuss treatment options with you.
Try our confidential Employee Assistance Helpline on 0800 107 6585 - quoting “UK Healthcare” and number 73006
. Their trained counsellors are available 24/7, and can offer a calming and supportive service if you're feeling overwhelmed or confused by what you're going through.
You GP or counsellor may advise you to keep a diary - of emotions and symptoms. We suggest you also use Menopause Charity's Symptom Checker so you have a full list of how you are affected. This is really helpful to enable you and your healthcare professional understand which symptoms you need to address, and will be useful if you need to get support at work.
Other resources
Other resources
There are many websites and podcasts which are now available to help provide understanding, context and support for your condition. Below are just a few examples:
The Menopause Charity's mission is to bust myths, overcome ignorance ensure women receive unbiased, evidence-based, holistic advice and treatment. Founded by leading menopause expert and GP Dr Louise Newson, the charity has a host of ambassadors including Davina McCall, Lorraine Kelly, Zoe Ball and Joe Whiley.
Menopause and me is a site dedicated to supporting you throughout your menopause journey. It provides tailored information about all stages of the menopause and the tools and support to help you make informed choices when it comes to managing your symptoms.
Menopause matters is an award winning, independent website providing up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options. Here you will find information on what happens leading up to, during and after the menopause, what the consequences can be, what you can do to help and what treatments are available.
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