In the Hot Seat with Royce
How much do you know about menopause? Take our ‘hot seat challenge’ and find out.
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It technically means ‘the last period’ and is officially declared when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Menopause is caused naturally by a decline in hormones (particularly oestrogen) which leads to the ovaries not releasing eggs anymore.
Menopause can happen spontaneously or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later. The average age is 51.
Menopause between 40-45 years of age is classed as ‘early menopause’; if it happens before the age of 40 it’s classed as ‘premature menopause’. Early or premature menopause is more likely if it runs in the family, your periods started earlier, if you are underweight or smoke, or if you’ve been through treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery to remove your ovaries.
Perimenopause is the transition period to menopause. During this time, hormone levels start to fluctuate, you still have periods but your menstrual cycle may become erratic. Your periods may also change, becoming lighter, heavier or with more extreme PMS symptoms. It is during perimenopause that many women will experience the symptoms we associate with menopause due to the changing levels of hormones.
It differs from person to person, and can last for just a few months to up to ten years. It typically starts in your 40s but can start in your 30s or your 50s. The average length of perimenopause is four years.
There are more than 30 recognised symptoms! Everyone experiences menopause differently – some have few or mild symptoms, some suffer with several debilitating symptoms. Below is a list of some of the most common symptoms:
Vaginal dryness/discomfort during sex
Irregular periods
Hot flushes and/or night sweats
Brain fog
Changes in mood (e.g. irritability, anxiety, depression)
Difficulty sleeping/insomnia
Low libido
Fatigue
Headaches/migraines
Symptoms can last for just a few months or several years. The severity can fluctuate from mild to intense. While some women may experience just one or two symptoms, some could experience many different symptoms over time.
Yes – fluctuating (and eventually, declining) hormones have a significant impact on mood, including feeling low, irritable, anxious or angry (the ‘menopausal rage’). The fluctuations and decline in oestrogen also impacts cognitive function, leading to ‘brain fog’ – experiencing this, particularly for people who usually feel ‘on it’, can knock confidence and cause embarrassment, particularly in the workplace.
Perimenopause/menopause may also affect women psychologically – it is part of the aging process and signifies a transition from one phase of life to another, which can provoke feelings of loss (for the younger self) and uncertainty (for the future).
[Many myths about ‘The Change’ prevail…many think that hot flushes are the only sign; or it only happens to ‘old’ people; or everyone has the same experience… The Menopause Network lists 15 myths and misconceptions about menopause here.]
It is estimated that, in the UK, approximately 13 million people are ‘menopausal’ at any one time (this includes those in perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause when they may still have lingering symptoms). However, it is difficult to get a true picture due to a number of factors: e.g. the experience of perimenopause tends to be gradual leading many women to delay seeing their GP (or even need to) for a formal diagnosis.
A 2024 Government paper on menopause in the workplace, stated that close to four million women aged 45 to 55 are in employment, with women over 50 representing a significant and growing percentage of the workforce. The British Menopause Society claims that approximately 80-90% of women will experience menopause symptoms, with 25% of those describing them as debilitating.
This means that a significant number of women are struggling while at work, impacting both their mental health and professional capabilities. The Government paper stated that one in five women have taken sick leave due to menopause symptoms, and a survey in 2023 found that 23% of employed women considered resigning due to the impact of menopause on their working life (according to a BBC report).
Employers are not required by law to implement a menopause policy, but this year the Government announced that from 2027, menopause action plans will be mandatory for organisations employing 250+ employees.
For employers of all sizes, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published guidance on menopause in the workplace for employers which explains their legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 – i.e. they must make reasonable adjustments for, and not discriminate against, employees experiencing menopause symptoms.
Current guidance suggests numerous ways to support employees experiencing menopausal symptoms, including:
- providing cooler workspaces
- relaxing uniform policies
- offering rest areas
- allowing staff to work from home
- fostering a culture of understanding and open conversation
This will depend on the workplace, the nature of the job, and the individual’s own needs. It could be flexible working hours and remote working, or simply creating a supportive and understanding culture at work. Showing employees that you can offer both personal understanding and practical support can go a long way in maintaining good employee relations, high morale and job retention.
Sources: NHS, NHS Wales, British Menopause Society, The Cleveland Clinic, BBC, Gov.uk, Menopause Support
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