As we wrap up Women's Health Week in Australia, we reflect on how important awareness of conditions affecting women can be to the health of women and the health of the workplace.
Menopause is a time in women’s lives, around 45-55 years of age, when menstruation ceases. This period is usually preceded by perimenopause, an average of 4-6 years in which menstruation (periods) become irregular, before ceasing all together.
During perimenopause, the ovaries begin to run out of eggs which can cause big fluctuations in hormone levels. Because of these hormonal swings, many women can experience perimenopausal symptoms such as:
- mood changes (low or swinging mood/irritability/anxiety),
- hot flushes,
- forgetfulness,
- migraines,
- increasing joint and muscle aches and pains,
- bloating, and
- sore or tender breasts.
With the shift into menopause, estrogen levels become very low and can cause the above symptoms as well as:
- vaginal changes such as dryness and painful intercourse,
- itchy skin,
- lowered libido (sex drive),
- tiredness,
- sleep disturbance, and
- weight gain
These symptoms can affect a woman’s mental and physical health, which in turn, can affect workplace morale and productivity. Therefore, it is important for workplaces to have strategies to help address these symptoms while at work.
Exercise
Taking breaks from work to do a few minutes of exercises or go for a walk can be very beneficial.
Research backs exercise as a great way to manage menopausal symptoms, from hot flushes and mood changes to energy levels, joint pains and muscle pains.
Stay Cool
Having a fan, cool water, cold packs and good ventilation available in the workplace can be great strategies to deal with hot flushes. Workplaces can make accommodations for individuals to bring their own cooling options, or make them available.
Proper Hydration and Diet
Eating regular, healthy meals and keeping hydration levels up can help with mood and energy regulation. Workplaces should provide breaks and encourage workers to take them.
Address Fatigue
Workplaces should use the above strategies such as diet and exercise, as well as discuss optimal shifts that might help conserve or improve energy levels of the worker. Where possible, work from home or flexible work hours may help manage fatigue.
Speak with a Professional
Workers should have discussions with their doctor about treatment and management options suitable for them.
Workplaces need to provide better support and understanding for their perimenopausal and menopausal employees. An onsite physiotherapy presence, such as an Employ Health – Health Hub, is perfectly positioned to help develop strategies and provide guidance on ways to manage symptoms while at work to support the worker and the workplace.