And then I just stopped talking. I don't know for how long. Long enough to notice that everyone was staring at me with curiosity. No, I hadn't deliberately gone for the "dramatic pause". I had forgotten the words. It had happened a few times before and I could feel the panic rising. Damn it! I had reviewed my content so many times and I was hoping that it wouldn't happen again. The thing is, I had been teaching this content for years! It felt like my training content had become quicksand that flowed from my brain, leaving an empty space and replacing it with dread and humiliation. 

After the training session held in a hot and stuffy boardroom, I made a beeline for the bathroom. I was frustrated, sweating, red and borderline tearful. What the heck is wrong with me? Why can't I get it right?

The training feedback came back positive, "life changing" even, but the negative impact on my mental health was baked in. I'm an imposter. I'm too old for this. 

And it's a Catch-22 if you want to open up to anyone about it. If I speak to my boss, will she wonder if she should be looking for my replacement? Will my work colleagues start plotting for my exit? WHAT will I do if I can't work here? Do companies hire 50 year old women these days?

I know I'm not alone but I sure as hell felt like it when I didn't know that this was the beginning of perimenopause. A few extra symptoms deep and I decided to speak up. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during perimenopause are a natural life stage for all women but when it starts messing with your work performance and even your career, finding support in the work place can be challenging or non-existent. 

Here is the good news - the narrative on menopause is changing. Some would say not fast enough but I'm an optimist and in the two years I've immersed myself full time as a menopause advocate, author, podcaster and educator, I can see businesses and bosses coming to the party to accept that support is a necessity for the fastest growing demographic in the workplace - women 45-55 years (World Economic Forum).  Oh, and that just happens to be around the same time that perimenopause shows up.

I've been delivering Peri Menopause & Meno education workshops for a few months now and the feedback has been incredible. I'm not blowing my trumpet on this, but I definitely feel more confident after addressing my perimenopause symptoms.  Everyone who shows up to the workshop, live or online, is universally saying "I'm so happy this is being talked about. We want to help our colleagues. We want to support them. And now we know how - thank you!"

If you're not aware or convinced that discussing menopause in the workplace is worthwhile, then let's look at some data. 

1. 4 out of 10 women report experiencing menopause symptoms that negatively affect their work performance (BusinessWire)

2. 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause, which can cause discomfort, irritability and fatigue. (Women's Health Concern)

3. Despite the prevalence of menopause, many women feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms in the workplace due to stigma and lack of support (Forbes)

So, how do we get started to support women in menopause whilst at work?

1. Normalise the conversation and say the word "menopause" without fear or jest. Host a workshop with a menopause educator for ALL employees and NOT just the women, to better understand what menopause is, the symptoms, the challenges and the simple processes that can be set up to support women in menopause. For best success, the attendance of managers, senior team leaders, HR personnel and allies should be mandatory. 

2. Offer flexible work arrangements such as remote work and flexible hours and check in frequently so both parties are happy with the arrangement and productivity is satisfactory. 

3. Explore comfortable working conditions such as sufficient airflow, temperature, lighting, quieter spaces, cool drinking water and free sanitary products in the bathrooms. 

4. Create an open and communicative workplace culture so that menopausal women feel safe and supported to discuss any challenges they might be experiencing with their symptoms. Sometimes, it's as easy as an honest discussion where you feel heard and understood. Stress builds up when you are constantly doubting your performance due to out-of-control symptoms - I would know! I had no one to offload on. 

5. Encourage women to take control of their own health by moving, paying attention to their nutrition, getting enough sleep, reducing stress and participating in activities that bring joy outside of the workplace. 

6. My favourite one - celebrate the menopause transition as the next phase in their career with flexible goals and planning to help women reach their full potential in your company. 

Get in touch to book your Workshop today.