5 Ways Menopause Can Impact Your Career

These symptoms can make it harder for women to focus, stay productive, and manage daily tasks at work. When your body is struggling, your mind does, too. Fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and sleep issues can lower performance, making it challenging to keep up with job demands.

Over time, this can force some women to reduce their workload or even leave their careers altogether. Let's dive deeper into these symptoms and understand how they impact a woman's career and daily life.’ 

How Menopause Impacts Your Career? 

Did you know that, on average, one in four women report having vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes, night sweats, and palpitations) every day? These symptoms are caused by the body's inability to regulate temperature. 

Studies indicate that women with higher body weight, those who smoke, or those experiencing anxiety are more likely to report vasomotor symptoms (VMS) during menopause. These symptoms also significantly negatively impact women's careers.  

A questionnaire-based study on a U.S. population showed that more than 65% of women reported these symptoms affected their daily productivity, and over 20% took time off work due to menopause-related discomfort. 

Menopausal women often face sleep difficulties that include trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, or finding themselves waking multiple times during the night. It is mainly due to declining estrogen levels, which can lead to hot flashes and night sweats that disrupt sleep. Additionally, menopausal changes can cause urinary issues that make them wake up several times during the night to urinate.  

The study conducted in Ireland revealed that 47% of participants experienced sleep difficulties during menopause, which negatively impacted their work performance. Additionally, 65% of the women reported that menopausal symptoms affected their job performance, and 18% had taken sick leave due to these symptoms.  

Also Read: How To Lower Estrogen Levels In Females Naturally  

During the menopause transition, women who have suffered from extreme premenstrual syndrome are more likely to experience significant mood swings or depression. As a result, difficulties at work were significantly linked to irritability and mood swings.  

The study found that about 40% of the women in the study experienced weight gain, irritability, depression, bloating, and mood swings. Nearly half (47%) said these symptoms disrupted their daily lives, while 30% reported that their job performance suffered because of them. 

Did you know that osteoporosis is the most prevalent disease in menopausal women and is strongly associated with low quality of life? 

Research shows that up to 20% of bone loss happens during menopause due to a drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps protect bones and keep them strong. However, as women grow older, their estrogen level falls, which causes bones to lose density and become more brittle. It leads to weaker bones and a higher risk of fractures. That's why menopausal women commonly develop osteoporosis, as estrogen deficiency directly contributes to it. It makes physical tasks challenging and reduces productivity, directly impacting their career. 

Also Read: Beyond Calcium: How Geranylgeraniol Could Be the Game-Changer in Your Bone Health Routine?

Many women are not aware that as they age, they experience menopause related anxiety, which can lead to physical symptoms, such as fast heart rate, nausea, sweating, tremors, panic attacks, etc.  

But the question arises: why does menopause cause anxiety? Because during menopause, your mood changes as hormones change, and that is not in your control. 

A study conducted in 2016 shows that natural fluctuations in estradiol (a key estrogen hormone) during menopause can significantly impact the body's primary stress hormones, i.e., cortisol and mood. As estradiol levels drop, morning cortisol tends to increase, leading to stress, anxiety, and negative mood symptoms. These symptoms cause more absences and reduced productivity, making it harder to perform well at work.  

Final Thoughts 

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but its impact on career and daily productivity is often underestimated. Symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, bone loss, and anxiety can make it difficult for women to focus, stay active, and perform at their best. As a result, many women struggle with reduced work efficiency, absenteeism, or even leaving their jobs altogether. 

It's crucial for workplaces to acknowledge these challenges and offer support, whether through flexible work options, awareness programs, or health resources. Understanding menopause and creating a supportive environment can help women navigate this transition while maintaining their careers and well-being. 

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or health routine. Individual results may vary. 

References: