Women’s health and hormonal shifts used to be something shrouded in secrecy and silence, not a topic of conversation for polite company or the workplace. But as we get better educated about women’s bodies and the impact the huge hormonal changes of puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause (the 3 Ps) can have on women’s brains, health and energy, we can better understand how to navigate these changes with optimism and clarity.
While recent reports have pointed to the number of 40-something women walking away from the corporate world and leadership roles, jaded by the promise of ‘having it all’, I believe now is a time to take a fresh look at how we can support women at work so they can continue adding value and making an impact at every stage of their lives.
Because while it’s true that perimenopause can impact our physical, mental and emotional health, it’s also true that the women coming out the other side are some of the strongest, wisest and most empowered I know.
Sharing or scaring?
While the past approach of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ wasn’t serving anybody, I fear that we could go too far towards the other end of the spectrum, where only the most catastrophic symptoms of hormonal change are shared, leading to unnecessary fear and a potential workplace backlash.
As a perimenopausal woman myself surrounded by women at a similar age and stage, it’s a topic that comes up frequently. And as with every major hormonal chapter, everyone’s experience is unique.
Around 60 per cent of women experiencing perimenopause have low to moderately severe symptoms – unpredictable periods, tiredness and brain fog. But 20 per cent experience debilitating symptoms – from exhaustion and night sweats to increased anxiety, joint pain, flooding, and insomnia. The Menodoctor Survey Australia report from January 2024 pointed out at least 34 symptoms associated with menopause, affecting every system in the body and brain.
The lack of research and published information on women’s health has meant women have turned to each other for support. The lack of understanding has meant many have hidden their symptoms, been the butt of jokes, euphemistically taken ‘sick days’ or left the workforce altogether.
The reality of menopause and work
As an increasing number of women enter the fields of research, science and medicine in greater numbers and more is invested in research into women’s health, new data is debunking myths about menopause spelling the end of a woman’s professional value and ambition.
Earlier this year, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health released the findings of their 2023 National Women’s Health Survey, which revealed the diverse experiences of menopause among Australian women.
For example, 26 per cent of midlife women experiencing menopause symptoms said these symptoms made daily activities hard, but 38 per cent of those experiencing symptoms said they had no impact at all on their daily activities, and only 7 per cent of midlife Australian women have missed work due to menopause symptoms.
Recent research by leading neuroscientists such as Dr Lisa Mosconi has revealed the profound brain changes that occur during perimenopause—changes that can actually enhance empathy, leadership abilities, and overall life contentment. This is supported by ongoing efforts by advocates such as Dr Sarah McKay to bring knowledge into the mainstream, so that more women can understand the changes they’re experiencing.
Potent potential
Many women going through menopause find that once they’re through the worst of it, they feel more grounded, balanced and joyful. They care far less about what others think of them, and are more confident about their power and potential in the world.
You only have to look at the world stage – and presidential candidate Kamala Harris – to see that post-menopausal women have the potential to change the world.
So we need our workplaces to be better placed to support women through transitions, to better manage the expectations of women around hormonal stages, and to get to the other side, unscathed. Then, we can truly showcase the positives just as much as we’re showcasing the potential symptoms.
Any of the major hormonal shifts we can experience over our lives – whether it’s puberty, pregnancy or perimenopause – can be potentially painful, but can also bring lessons and rewards. After puberty, we get to enjoy adult life and be a higher functioning member of society, after pregnancy we can enjoy an upgrade in terms of tuning into social cues and intuition, as well as enjoying our babies. And after perimenopause, we get to enjoy a new sense of self-confidence, wisdom and ‘no shits given’ womanhood.
In medical terms, menopause has been known as a medical catastrophe or ‘ovarian failure’, but it’s time we saw it for what it really is: a neuroendocrine transition that can bring opportunities for confident leadership, personal growth and self-discovery.
A non-linear approach
Patriarchal structures have been created based on linear, testosterone-driven male rhythms, and they often conflict with the cyclical nature of female physiology. We need workplaces to evolve, so that women who want support can access it – whether that’s with flexible working, flexible hours and responsibilities, better awareness, education and peer support programs.
Because companies that can keep their female talent and provide support by engaging in relevant partners – for example, Sage Women’s Health – will benefit from the wisdom, experience and confidence of women in their third act.
For individuals, the best thing you can do when preparing to navigate any kind of personal transition or change is to focus on what’s most important to you, for example, your career, your family, your health, or perhaps growth and connection? When you know this, you can use it as your internal compass. Understanding what truly matters to you will help you focus on what’s important and navigate change with resilience and clarity.
If you’re not yet at the point of perimenopause, use this time to take stock of your values and priorities, and invest time in understanding your health and hormones to set yourself up for healthy ageing.
If you’re a woman experiencing perimenopause, share your experience and be honest with those you trust – we need to keep the conversation going and paint the full picture of experiences – the good, the bad and the messy.
And if you’re a menopausal woman, please share your knowledge and wisdom with the women in your life who are looking to you as the powerful and dynamic woman you are. We don’t want you to fade into the background, we want you to show us the possibilities of a third act well-lived.