When people approach menopause, it causes many changes in their bodies, some of which many struggle to talk openly about. The symptoms, which can include hot flushes, insomnia, mood swings and increased anxiety, can be unsettling for those and last between seven and fourteen years – this is known as ‘Perimenopause’.

As everyone experiences it differently, it can be difficult to know how to provide the right support for those experiencing perimenopause, but there are things that employers can do to help. In the article below, we take a look at some of the most common symptoms that people experience when approaching menopause and what adjustments you can make in the workplace to support them.

Fatigue

As their hormone levels fluctuate, people approaching menopause often experience interrupted sleep, causing fatigue throughout the day.

To support, you can:

Adjust working hours or shift patterns to allow the employee to come into work at a different time to accommodate their sleeping pattern
Give employees the option to work from home where possible
Accept that their work performance will not always be optimal and discuss ways to accommodate this.

Low mood

Due to hormonal changes, low moods are a common symptom of perimenopause, although not widely recognised.

To support, you can:

Allow the colleague time out from others, without needing to ask for permission
Provide access to a quiet area
Identify a buddy for the employee to talk to, inside or outside of the workplace.

Heavy periods

During this time, eople can experience much heavier periods, meaning they will need easy and frequent access to facilities in the workplace.

To support, you can:

Provide easy access to toilets, washing and changing facilities
Provide access to sanitary products, either for employees to pay for or free of charge
Allow people to go to the toilet as frequently as they need, without scrutiny
Allow people with heavy bleeding to work from home.

Panic attacks and anxiety

Many people going through perimenopause experience increased anxiety and panic attacks, which can feel incredibly unnerving and isolating.

To support, you can:

Signpost any employee assistance programmes, counselling or GP services (if available); cognitive behavioural therapy can also be helpful
Identify a supportive colleague or wellbeing/menopause champion they can talk to on a confidential basis
Allow employees to work from home (if possible)
You may also have to adjust for any triggers that you operate linked to performance and absence, particularly where these lead to warnings or potentially, dismissal. Reassure your colleague that they will not be disciplined for taking the measures they need to get through this often difficult period of their lives.

Poor concentration, brain fog and forgetfulness

Due to other symptoms such as lack of sleep and fluctuating hormones, perimenopausal people may find it more difficult to concentrate and forget things more easily.

To support, you can:

Adjust working patterns so the employee can work at a time where they’re most productive
Offer protected time where they won’t be disturbed
Reduce unnecessary interruptions, such as turning off email notifications for a portion of the day
Regularly review workloads
Provide quiet spaces to work and offer noise-reducing headphones.

Headaches

Due to hormonal fluctuations, perimenopausal people often experience an increased frequency of headaches.

To support, you can:

Provide a quiet place to work, or provide noise-reducing headphones
Provide access to cool drinking water and allow the employee to take frequent breaks.

Hot flushes

Many people approaching menopause experience hot flushes, causing discomfort, particularly in the warmer months.

To support, you can:

Provide a fan
Allow employees seating near windows that can be opened
Adjust the air conditioning (without impacting the comfort levels of your other staff)
Provide access to cool water and changing facilities
Adapt uniforms or provide additional uniforms so employees can change at work.

Loss of confidence

When going through perimenopause, people’s confidence can wane dramatically as they navigate all the changes that are happening to their bodies.

To support, you can:

Offer regular protected time with their line managers to discuss any issues
Ensure that people are supported throughout this period and make efforts to understand their requirements.

Are you a woman in the workplace going through menopause?

You’re not alone. Many people experience this but it’s still incredibly misunderstood. Your GP, nurse or pharmacist can offer advice around symptoms and treatment. You can also seek advice from a local menopause specialist here. Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your line manager so they understand what your needs are and can accommodate them.