Menopause

The menopause is a natural phase for women during which the body's hormone balance changes. Worldwide, an estimated 25 million women enter this phase of life every year. 

The menopausal transition is represented by a progressive decline in ovarian function and can also result from surgical or medical interventions. Menopause is defined as the point at which a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without menstruation.

Symptoms & Everyday Impact

Menopause symptoms, such as vasomotor symptoms (VMS; also known as hot flashes) and sleep disturbances which are the most frequently reported symptoms, can be disruptive and substantially affect women’s quality of life and long-term health. VMS is reported by up to 80% of menopausal women and is associated with increased contact with healthcare services in mid-life women. Approximately 40% to 60% of women experience sleep disturbances during the menopausal transition, which may include trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

These symptoms can have a significant impact on workplace performance and engagement. Women with severe symptoms also report lower rates of workability and higher turnover intentions thereby resulting in individual career and wider societal consequences.

Impact of Menopause at Work

Menopause is a life stage that can affect sleep, energy, focus, and daily routines. For many women around the world, these changes make everyday tasks more challenging, impacting wellbeing, participation, and quality of life.

These effects also extend to the workplace. Symptoms like sleep disruption, hot flashes and difficulty concentrating turn routine tasks into uphill climbs. Too often, valued colleagues step away when their insight and experience are needed most. When support is missing, teams lose the perspectives and expertise that make decisions stronger. Recent conversations with Foreign Policy and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) underscore this: supporting menopause at work isn’t only a health topic; it’s about equity, opportunity and progress. 

Watch the video, then take a simple first step. Start a conversation, add flexibility, share clear guidance, so no one is missing from the room within your organization. 

Menopause-related work disruptions lead to a loss of USD 1.8 billion per year. Every day, symptoms associated with menopause can harm women’s confidence, mental health, and productivity at work. The stigma can be isolating and cause unwarranted doubt about women in the workplace. 

Despite the detrimental effects on women’s well-being and career progression, up to 8 in 10 women report a lack of menopause-specific support from their employers. Advancing initiatives and providing better support to women is crucial in retaining talent and leadership in the workplace.

Support & Care

If any concerns arise or additional support is required, women should consult their physician for advice.

As a general rule, as for everyone, women should practice regular exercise, monitor weight, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.