Menopause is a normal part of life that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, usually happening in her late 40s to early 50s. Before that, perimenopause starts, bringing about a range of changes in a woman’s body. While it’s a significant milestone, it can profoundly impact both physical and emotional well-being, and in turn, affect professional life.

This week’s newsletter, I want to talk about how menopause and perimenopause affect women at work, including the mental and emotional challenges, the stigma surrounding it, and how Black women’s experiences might differ from their white counterparts.

Perimenopause and menopause can bring on a host of symptoms that make it tough to perform well at work. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and memory lapses are just a few examples. These symptoms can disrupt a woman’s productivity and make it hard to stay focused and engaged in her job.

Hot flashes and night sweats, often joked about in popular media, are real and uncomfortable. They can interrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased alertness during the day. I’ve personally found that in meetings, I sometimes miss what’s happening because I’m dealing with an intense hot flash. It can be especially awkward when there are men around.

Emotionally, mood swings and depression can crop up due to hormonal changes, affecting how women interact with colleagues and their overall morale. It’s tough when you’re used to being on top of your game and suddenly find it hard to stay focused due to mood swings and emotional turbulence.

Memory issues, often called “brain fog,” can be unsettling, leading to fears about serious conditions like dementia. However, these memory lapses are usually just part of the hormonal changes, affecting concentration and confidence at work.

There’s also a lingering stigma around menopause. Many women hesitate to talk about their experiences due to fear of being seen as weak, old, or less capable. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, and even leaving the workforce prematurely. The lack of workplace policies and understanding exacerbates these challenges, making it even harder to manage symptoms and maintain job performance.

For Black women, the experience of menopause can be even more complex. Cultural, socioeconomic, and health factors contribute to different experiences. In some African communities, discussing menopause is even more taboo, making it hard to find support. I’ve had conversations with women in Ghana who either felt I talked about it too much or were relieved to hear someone else openly discussing it because they too were struggling in silence.

Black women might experience menopause earlier and with more severe symptoms compared to white women, partly due to higher rates of chronic health conditions and stress. They often work in more demanding jobs with less flexibility, facing additional stress and workplace discrimination, which can make managing menopausal symptoms even tougher.

To create a more inclusive and supportive workplace, employers can take several steps:

1. Increase Awareness and Education: Educate all staff about menopause and its impact to reduce stigma and foster understanding.

2. Implement Supportive Policies: Offer flexible working arrangements, healthcare resources, and support networks to help women manage their symptoms.

3. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a culture where discussing menopause and women’s health issues is welcomed, ensuring that women receive the support they need.

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it still comes with its challenges, especially at work. By raising awareness, creating supportive environments, and addressing the unique challenges women face, we can help ensure that every woman has the chance to keep thriving in her career during this transition.