Please note– While we will be predominantly talking about women in relation to the menopause on this page, we also recognise and appreciate that the menopause can impact trans and non-binary people who don’t identify as women in the same manner.
Although uncommon, menopause can still be experienced by a few trans masculine and non-binary identified people whose female characteristics may persist at this stage of their lives.
They require the same support and flexibility in the workplace as others with similar symptoms.
Menopause is a natural part of ageing that women do not have a choice in, often starting between the ages of 45 and 55.
The affects of menopause are varied and can be worse in some more than others, these affects can be physical, hormonal and psychological.
Within the body there is a change in the three hormones responsible for ovulation and periods: Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone
Because of this the periods start to become less frequent and eventually stop completely and the woman is no longer able to become pregnant naturally.
Menopause is actually the point in time 12 months after a woman’s last period.
However, there are several changes occurring leading up to that point which is known as the menopausal transition or perimenopausal.
Menopause and the affects of menopause usually lasts for about 7 years, but can last for up to 14 years.
There are also other forms of menopause that may occur earlier in life which are:
Surgical menopause which is menopause that is the result of surgery removing both ovaries.
And Medical or Induced menopause which is menopause as a result of treatments
such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy or treatment given to suppress ovarian function.
There are several signs and symptoms that may occur during menopause, the combination and the severity of which are different for every person:
How does this relate to the workplace?
There are 4.4 million women aged 50 and over in employment in the UK with women over 50 being the fastest growing demographic in the workplace. However, it is common for women to leave their jobs due to the affects of menopause and the feelings of shame or embarrassment that surround it.
Without support in the workplace for women, symptoms can lead to:
How can organisations better support those going through the menopause?
