Let’s Pause and Talk About Menopause

Community Well-Being, Resources, Uncategorized, Well-being

October is Menopause awareness month and given how common this life transition is, we do not talk about it enough. This month, let’s start the conversation, examine the facts, and talk about how we can support ourselves and other’s experiencing menopause.

Menopause is defined as the period of time when a woman has gone twelve months without a menstrual period. It can happen in the 40s or 50s, but the average age in the U.S. is fifty-one. It is also important to acknowledge that not only cisgender women experience menopause. Transgender men, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals can also experience menopause, and some people may experience menopause earlier due to certain medical conditions.

In many ways menopause is like puberty. Hormonal changes trigger a cascade of events in our body. Some of us experience significant symptoms, while others may barely notice any changes. During and around menopause, people may experience weight gain, hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood changes and more, and these symptoms can affect all areas of their lives.

We can all play a role in supporting people experiencing menopause. Here are some things we can do:

  • Educate ourselves and learn about menopause: Take the initiative to understand the symptoms and challenges associated with menopause. Every person’s menopause experience is different, so it is important not to make generalizations or assumptions about how it affects someone. 
  • Create a comfortable work environment. Offer flexibility in terms of work hours or the ability to work from home during times when symptoms are more severe. Allow control over room temperature or access to fans and provide quiet areas where people experiencing menopause can take breaks if they need to rest or recharge.
  •  Offer emotional support: Be open and supportive and acknowledge the challenges without making it the focus. Encourage open conversations if the person is comfortable, but also respect their privacy if they prefer not to talk about it. Be supportive by asking how they are doing without prying too much into personal matters. This shows care without making someone feel singled out.
  • Promote Workplace Policies that support people experiencing menopause. This could include paid sick leave for menopause-related symptoms, flexible working arrangements, or creating menopause-friendly guidelines.
  • Challenge stigma and misconceptions by challenging negative or dismissive comments about menopause, aging, or a person’s health. A positive, non-judgmental attitude can shift workplace culture and reduce any feelings of isolation.
  • Provide practical help and offer assistance if someone is visibly struggling. Offer to help with work-related tasks (like covering meetings) or suggest taking a break. Be sure to do so in a way that does not feel condescending.

A workplace culture that values empathy, respect, and awareness can make a significant difference in supporting people experiencing menopause.

Here is some additional information about commonly asked questions: