WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF THE MENOPAUSE?

People are likely to transition through menopause when they are approaching middle age.

This is a time when there could already be increased stress and emotional changes happening such as losing family members, caring for elderly relatives, and worries about getting older or children leaving home. In addition, surgical menopause is often accompanied by trauma, stress and emotional or physical changes.

The physical symptoms of the perimenopause, changes in hormone levels and existing combined stresses can cause many psychological difficulties including loss of self-confidence, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. These can manifest and make some women feel less able to do their job and impact on their working life.

Further details about the symptoms of menopause can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms

Below are some of the most common symptoms impacting on women’s confidence in work and some guidance on how to ease them but please remember, there is no one way to transition through menopause – everyone’s experience is different.

Hot flushes and night sweats

Hot flushes are short, sudden feelings of heat, usually in the face, neck and chest, which can make skin red and sweaty. Around 80% of women experience hot flushes which can cause embarrassment and anxiety as they might assume people around them are going to notice. Ways to help reduce these episodes are:

• An employee may ask for a fan to provide relief, or ask to be seated away from any heat sources or windows that have direct sunlight coming through them • Drink water. All colleges have water facilities • Wear thin layers which can be easily removed • An employee may make a request through their line manager/HR department about having access to a quiet area if they are having a severe hot flush

Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty sleeping can be linked directly to the menopause but can also be due to the anxiety created by experiencing the other symptoms such as night sweats. There are many useful resources with helpful advice on how to get a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep can also inhibit performance at work due to tiredness and lack of concentration and an employee should discuss any concerns with their line manager/HR department, and measures such as a flexible working request or working from home could be discussed.

Poor concentration and memory

This can be brought on by fatigue through a lack of sleep, or be due to the hormonal changes, and can be concerning and stressful to women when they have trouble remembering things or experience mental blocks. • An employee can see if there is a trend for when concentration is better or worse and discuss with their line manager/HR department the option to adjust their working pattern accordingly • Review task allocation and workload with their line manager/HR department • Reduce interruptions and have an agreed, protected time to catch up with work. It could be arranged through the employee’s line manager/HR department that a meeting room is booked out once a week to give the employee dedicated quiet time. Remember to factor in regular breaks in the working day too as these can help to refocus • Create lists or have an action board showing priorities and things that need to be done

Low mood, anxiety and panic attacks

This can manifest itself outwardly as mood swings and irritability due to low levels of oestrogen causing irregularities in the brain.

• An employee can discuss these symptoms with their line manager/HR department so they are aware, and agree appropriate time out if required • Undertake mindfulness activities such as breathing exercises or going for a walk. There is an abundance of apps which can aid in this • An employee can contact their Menopause Mentor or Mental Health First Aider where available • An employee can contact the Employee Assistance Helpline where available

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can also be used to reduce the impact of certain symptoms and the Women’s Health Concern website provides some useful information about this non-medical approach. If symptoms occurring include low mood, difficulty sleeping, anxiety or panic attacks then an employee is advised to speak to their GP for further support and to discuss medication which could be prescribed.

Other common signs are:

• A reduced sex drive (libido) • Headaches • Palpitations – heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable • Joint stiffness, aches and pains • Reduced muscle mass • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis

Menopause signs checklists can be found online. A good example is provided on Over the Bloody Moon’s website.