Unfortunately, menopause remains a taboo subject. Although I do believe things are getting better as necessary conversations around menopause are happening, this World Menopause Day it’s important to recognise that this effort is still not enough! Talking about menopause should be as easy to talk about as periods and pregnancy; it’s a natural stage of life where support may be required. Support should be easy to find, both inside and outside of the workplace, for everyone who is dealing with menopausal symptoms.

1 in 10 women have left their job due to their menopause symptoms. 14% of women had reduced their hours at work, 14% had gone part-time, and 8% had not applied for promotion. *

I completely understand why these figures are so high. A few years ago, in the middle of coping with lockdowns and the struggles with the pandemic, I also experienced debilitating menopause symptoms—although, at the time, I didn’t realise my symptoms were caused by menopause. I struggled every day with my confidence. I dreaded attending online meetings in case I forgot my words or started crying for no reason. I shouted at my family a lot. I was so anxious about what was happening. Hot flushes kept me awake at night and caused me embarrassment during the day. I was tired. I’d lost confidence. I was feeling desperate! Finally, I did my research and realised what was going on. I was lucky that my husband, my Line Manager at the time, and my colleagues were all so supportive when I finally opened up to them and explained what was happening.

8 in 10 women say their employer hasn’t shared information, trained staff, or put in place a menopause absence policy*

Our company culture at Chwarae Teg enables us to have an open dialogue around menopause, and we have also taken steps to ensure all levels of support are in place for our colleagues. Every single employee has access to the information, support and guidance they should need if they are suffering with menopausal symptoms, or if they are supporting someone who is suffering. We have a menopause sickness absence code, flexible working patterns, a menopause guidance document, and we provide awareness training for line managers. We want to support our current staff, but also put into place systems which would benefit potential future employees who might be dealing with the menopause. We want to be known as a menopause friendly organisation.

Menopause impacts women’s work. 44% of women said their ability to work had been affected, comprising 18% of women who said that their symptoms currently affected their ability to do their jobs, and 26% in the past. 61% said that they had lost motivation at work due to their symptoms, and 52% said they had lost confidence.*

It’s so important that organisations have support in place to assist those going through menopause at every stage. It would be an unfortunate situation for companies to lose the amazing talents of its workers should they not feel supported during such a challenging time. It is imperative that we feel able to have open conversations about menopause in the workplace. During the worst times for me, for example, I felt I couldn’t do my job anymore. I considered leaving, but instead, even though it was uncomfortable, I spoke up and got the support I needed to continue in my role. And while I’m lucky that I did, not all women are provided with the level of support and encouragement necessary to stay in work.

Almost half of women haven’t approached their GPs about the menopause and 3 in 10 of those have experienced delays in diagnosis*

Only 4 in 10 women who have talked to their GP about the menopause say they were immediately offered HRT*

There are currently campaigns running to get more GPs and specialist nurses into every doctor’s practice, so these daunting figures will hopefully begin to move in a positive direction. Personally, I managed to gain some private medical advice and was able to have HRT, which massively reduced my symptoms. It changed my life—not completely, of course, but I’m a lot better now than I was a couple of years ago! If you need to speak to someone about the menopause, it’s always a good idea to ask the receptionist in your doctor’s surgery which practitioner is knowledgeable about the menopause, then try to book in an appointment with them.

World Menopause Day this year is themed around mood and cognition. This theme is especially relevant to me, as I personally experienced the frustration of forgetting words. I have accepted it now and I will openly blame the menopause, because that’s what causes it! I still get upset easily and feel down from time to time. My self confidence is low at times, but at least I understand the cause now. I know where to get support, and I can talk about it to others who have experienced it themselves and to others who are eager to help! Please join this important conversation. Make sure your organisation has support in place, and if it isn’t already there, ask for it. It’s a normal stage of life, and there are positive actions that can be taken to help. Please don’t suffer in silence!

Cheryl Royall

Menopause Champion *Menopause and the Workplace (fawcettsociety.org.uk) Fawcett Society 2022