Many of our colleagues across the world will go through menopause.

In the same way that we are addressing the stigma around mental health we need to break the stigma surrounding menopause.

Menopause is something that needs to be acknowledged. Up to 51% of the population will experience this transitional stage of life. It is important that we work to build an inclusive and understanding working environment, where colleagues feel comfortable and able to ask for support if they need it.

Menopause can affect people in multiple ways - both physically and psychologically - which is why we need to raise awareness, remove the taboo, and increase understanding amongst colleagues.​ ​

We asked colleagues about their experience of perimenopause and menopause. Here they talk about their symptoms, the support they’ve received and the coping strategies they’ve learned along the way.

What are your symptoms?

Sandra: “I have been going through perimenopause for the last eight years. Coupled with the autoimmune disease I’ve had for most of my life it’s resulted in symptoms including fatigue, night sweats, headaches, dizziness, weight gain, joint and muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, depression, mood swings and brain fog.”

Jo: “Hot flashes in the early days, then brain fog, lack of memory, itchy skin, anxiety, lack of sleep, palpitations, feeling extremely low – these all came at the same time. I really struggled to work. I was tired but the main impact was feeling very low. I felt I couldn’t perform well, which affected my confidence.”

Jenny: “My symptoms are irritability, memory loss, foggy brain, lack of concentration, heart palpitations, anxiety, exceptionally low self-esteem, low or no self-worth, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, muscle aches and joint pains, brittle nails and hair quality changes. “The menopause has had a major impact on my personal life. My symptoms resulted in me ending a long-term relationship. I was irritable to the extreme and became quite unpleasant at times. I have managed to get the relationship back, but it took some time.”

What support have you received?

Jenny: “My local HR and Head of Department at Mott MacDonald have been exceptional. My line manager also has been helpful with support and guidance. My partner especially, has been very understanding, patient and kind. Talking to other women has given me comfort too. Knowing that I am not alone and not going through this in isolation helps a lot.”

Jo: “The person I was mainly working with was very supportive when I shared that I was not well. They offered a chat when needed (which helped a lot) and they were understanding. My line manager was great too. Nobody made me feel judged or uncomfortable.”

Sandra: “I have noticed a significant change in understanding and support both within Mott MacDonald and in the wider working world recently, since the discussions around menopause have been highlighted on various platforms. I can see there is a culture change happening, which is very encouraging. I am very much enjoying the new Menopause Chat Yammer group and the various webinars etc. The brilliantly supportive colleagues who join in the conversations with useful tips and advice have already taught me so much and I feel much better knowing that I am not crazy and there are others out there who understand completely.”

Lessons learnt

Jo: “Do show understanding and never underestimate the gravity of what that person is going through. Unfortunately, menopause is a topic many people just don’t know enough about. I had no idea how hard it can be until I started to go through it myself. If someone you know is suffering, invite them to talk about it and encourage them to build their knowledge and join groups with others who are experiencing it. If you are going through perimenopause or menopause, don’t let fears that you might not be taken seriously or be viewed as weak stop you from speaking out if you need help.”

Jenny: “Taking time out when you need it and knowing that everyone’s journey can be quite different is so important. We also need to remember it’s not just women themselves who suffer, but the partners of women struggling to understand what is happening to them, as they try to cope with fast-moving, often overwhelming symptoms. “In my experience, the narrative seems to be that the subject is taboo. It shouldn’t be. I am striving to make it an accepted subject and I hope that people will feel able to talk about it, have more dialogue, without feeling judged or compartmentalised. There is a huge amount of support and love out there if you look for it. You are not going into a crazed state, and we can do this together.

As a member of Henpicked, we are working with our colleagues across the globe to continue to raise awareness and break the taboo of discussing menopause in the workplace and provide support, training and open conversations.