According to the NHS Confederation, 60,000 women do not work due to menopause-related symptoms.
Women have suffered in silence for years or even decades in the workplace. This is often due to their fear of speaking out. These conditions can often be invisible and without obvious symptoms. It’s difficult to tell who is affected.
Women with severe periods miss an average of 18 days at work each year. Endometriosis is the most common cause of endometriosis, and 30% of women with this condition take an average of more than three days per month to manage their symptoms.
Women are speaking out about the debilitating pain in their pelvis and other discomforts they experience due to conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis.
Vicky Walker is the Group Director for People at Westfield Health. She says that “the menopause affects millions women in this country.” In fact, more women in menopause are now working than ever.
Understanding menopause HTML0
Menopause occurs when a woman’s periods stop and she can no longer get pregnant. It usually happens between 45 and 55 years old, but it can happen earlier as a result of some medical treatments.
Menopause symptoms include hot flashes and mood changes. They also include joint pain, anxiety, sleep problems, a low libido and difficulty sleeping.
Without proper menopause assistance, many women may question whether or not they can continue to work full-time. They may also consider taking a step back and taking on a lower level of responsibility. Vicky says that companies should make their employees feel more supported by encouraging communication, offering easy access to advice and providing health and wellness options. At the same time they should adapt the workplace to meet individual needs. Start with flexible working .”
Myth Menopause occurs in your 50s.
Fact: Age of menopause can vary.
The average age for menopause in women is 51. However, symptoms can appear at any age. Many people have been experiencing them for many years. Early menopause can occur naturally, or as a result of cancer treatment.
Myth – Hot flushes is the primary symptom.
Fact: Every woman experiences menopause in a different way.
Menopause is characterized by over 30 symptoms, such as mood changes, sleep problems, joint pain, urinary infection, anxiety, and low libido. Around 80% of women experience symptoms both before and after the end of their period.
Myth – Menopause doesn’t affect your work.
Fact: Many female employees find that their symptoms are problematic.
Menopause affects more than just physical symptoms. It can also negatively impact confidence, concentration and energy levels. Vicky says that it can be intimidating to discuss menopause with colleagues, but managers are able to make changes to help women who are experiencing menopause perform better.
What can be done to help women?
As with any societal issue, there are no simple solutions. There are many ways that women can feel valued and supported, which will, in turn help to reduce the stigma surrounding female reproductive health.
Vicky shares THREEEthings to do for women:
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Raising awareness
Awareness is the key. Families and friends need to speak out together. Advocacy across industries is needed. Companies must educate HR and managers about female health. It helps to create an environment where women feel more comfortable talking about their health at home, at work, and in public.
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Flexible working
Flexible working arrangements have a profound impact on women in the United States. Women who have greater flexibility with their working hours feel more empowered to manage pain without having to worry about compromising their career.
Women with symptoms can work from home in an environment that is tailored to meet their specific needs. Flexible hours allow women to plan their work around medical appointments, pain flare ups or times when they are feeling more energetic.
Women can benefit from longer recuperation periods when their workweek is compressed, allowing them to maintain a balance between their professional life and their self-care.
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Support for Health and Well-being
All health and wellness support should recognize that women have specific health needs.
Health cash plans are especially useful for women, as they provide access to confidential appointments with GPs and mental and financial support.
Private health insurance is also a great way to help women receive a faster diagnosis, referral, and access to private treatment.
These changes can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for women. What is the result? The result?
The original HR news article Expert warns women to take menopause seriously, as they struggle behind the radar was first published on HR news .
