Introduction:
We're diving into the topic of navigating career changes during menopause. This transitional phase can bring about significant changes that may affect how we work and how our careers progress. We'll explore what can happen and what steps we can take to manage these changes effectively.
Understanding Menopause and Its Impact on Career
Menopause brings a host of changes and challenges, many of which can affect your professional life as well as how you function on a daily basis. It's crucial to understand that you're not alone in this journey. Menopause can present unexpected challenges, including extreme pain, shaking, hot sweats, and memory loss, to name but a few, all of which can disrupt your daily routine and career.
My Menopause Journey
I'm Tracey Montgomery, an older single mum to an amazing daughter who has her own medical issues to deal with while I navigate my menopause journey. I hit menopause unexpectedly, as most of us do, I actually thought I'd managed to swerve all the debilitating symptoms, even my gynaecologist was surprised that I hadn't passed through it yet. This led me to investigate the time span and variability of menopausal symptoms.
I've experienced extreme symptoms, including pain, shaking, hot sweats, and memory loss. I've found support through a fantastic nurse at my local surgery and I'm now on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), which has been incredibly beneficial but still requires ongoing adjustments, as it should for yourself if you choose that route.
Common Menopausal Symptoms Affecting Work
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
These are common and can be quite disruptive, especially in if you have to manage a hot flash in a professional setting. Imagine being in an important meeting and suddenly feeling a wave of heat, flushing and sweating. It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for you to deal with.
Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances
Chronic fatigue and sleep issues can severely impact your productivity and ability to focus. Not getting enough rest at night means you’re less alert and energetic during the day, affecting your performance at work. It is quite common once you hit the menopause transition to find yourself tired all day and feel like you can just switch off and sleep, but when in bed, you find yourself unable to sleep, often between the hours of 2-4 in the morning.
Brain Fog
Memory lapses and difficulty concentrating can make routine tasks challenging. You might find yourself forgetting important details or struggling to stay focused during tasks that previously were easy. This can be embarrassing and lead to a lack in confidence especially if you keep forgetting names, which is common.
Mood Swings and Irritability
Hormonal changes can lead to increased anxiety and mood swings, affecting workplace interactions. You may find yourself more easily irritated or anxious, which can strain relationships with colleagues. The brain has become used to having your nurture hormones and now they are waning, so the brain struggles to regulate your feelings, leading to the mood swings.
Impact on Career
These menopausal symptoms can significantly impact your career. Fatigue and sleep disturbances can reduce energy levels and productivity. Brain fog and mood swings can affect your focus and teamwork abilities. Hot flashes and sweating can also cause discomfort, making it harder to concentrate on tasks. These symptoms can not only be embarrassing and humiliating but often gain little sympathy from work colleagues, in fact the opposite, which can then compound their effects.
51% of the population is female, meaning a significant portion will experience menopause at any one time. One in four women consider changing or leaving their careers due to menopausal symptoms, and 80% experience at least one symptom that impacts their work.
Strategies to Manage Menopause at Work
Dress Comfortably
Layering: Wear layers to adjust your clothing as needed throughout the day. This way, you can easily add or remove layers to stay comfortable. Change of Clothing: Keep a change of clothes at work in case of excessive sweating. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident throughout the day.
Seek Medical Advice
Consult Your Doctor: Discuss symptoms and treatment options, including HRT, with your healthcare provider. They can provide tailored advice and treatment options. Adjust Medications: Understand that HRT may require adjustments over time. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and finding the right balance can take time.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Deep Breathing and Meditation: These can help manage stress and promote relaxation. Taking a few minutes each day to practice these techniques can make a significant difference in how you feel. Healthy Diet and Hydration: Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support overall well-being. As we have stated in previous communications the Mediterranean Diet has been shown to have beneficial effects during this. Drinking enough water can also help to manage symptoms and improve energy levels.
Improve Sleep Hygiene
Cool Bedroom Environment: Keep your sleeping area cool and comfortable. This can help you get better rest at night. Regular Sleep Schedule: Stick to a consistent sleep routine to combat fatigue. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can improve sleep quality.
Communicate with Your Employer
Discuss Your Needs: Be open with your manager about how menopause affects your work and what accommodations can help. Clear communication can lead to better support and understanding. If you have a good employer they should have a menopause policy, if they don't; send them my way and I can work on out with them. Seek Flexibility: Explore options for flexible work hours or remote work if feasible. Adjusting your work schedule can help you manage symptoms more effectively.
Financial Planning During Menopause
Financial stability is a common concern during menopause, especially for women who find themselves on their own or with unexpected financial challenges. More women than ever are experiencing pension poverty, therefore it is important to stay in touch with your future finances. It's important to:
Evaluate Your Financial Situation: Understand where you stand and identify areas for improvement by doing a current budget. This includes reviewing your budget and expenses. Explore Flexible Work Options: Look for opportunities that allow you to balance work and personal responsibilities. This might include part-time work, freelancing, or other flexible job arrangements.
Embracing Menopause as a New Beginning
Menopause can be seen as an opportunity for a fresh start. Just as puberty marks the transition to adulthood, menopause can be a time for self-reflection, transformation and re-evaluation. This phase offers a chance to set new goals, explore new challenges, and leverage your extensive experience and skills.
Highlight Your Value
In discussions with your employer, emphasise your value to the company. Highlight your skills and expertise, and demonstrate how retaining you is more cost-effective and productive, than hiring and training a new employee. This approach can help ensure your continued professional growth and stability.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it doesn't have to derail your career or financial stability. By understanding the challenges and taking proactive steps, you can navigate this transition successfully. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals and discuss your needs with your employer.
Remember, menopause is not the end but a new beginning. Embrace this opportunity for growth, set new goals, and explore new possibilities. Your experience and expertise are valuable assets that can help you thrive in any career.
Continuation of Your Menopause Success Journey:
The menopause journey is a continuum. From perimenopause and on through into postmenopause, having people who understand and support you is essential. It's not the end of your life's journey; it's a phase, and having the right community can make all the difference.
I make it my mission to support women with their transition along the menopause journey and to signpost to the best financial opportunities for their circumstances. To talk further please use this link to book a call and discuss further support.
If you would like to join a supportive community, please drop me a line here. I love hearing from midlife women going through the menopausal transition.
Pssst, you can also check out my Menopause Midlife and all the ****. It includes monthly strategies and a community of women at the same life stage as you.
Click here to get your Menopause Morning Rituals to make every day just that little bit easier.
Oh, and come say Hi on Facebook and join the free facebook group Menopause Midlife and all the **** here.
