Are you in your late 40s or early 50s and experiencing hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings? Do you sometimes feel like you’re losing your mind? You might be going through perimenopause, a transition period before menopause. If you shared your symptoms with your boss, they might have said something that made you go, “What?”

 

Menopause is a natural part of life that all women will go through. But let’s be honest, it’s not something that we tend to discuss freely in the workplace. Our bosses, who may or may not have experienced menopause themselves, may have some misconceptions about this time in our lives. So, let’s bust some of those myths and set the record straight.

 

Here are some common misconceptions your boss might have about menopause:

 

1. Menopause makes women irrational and emotional.

This is perhaps one of the most common misconceptions about menopause. The truth is that menopause can cause mood swings but these are no more severe than the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that many women experience regularly throughout their reproductive years. In fact, studies show that the emotional changes caused by menopause are often mild and usually subside over time.

 

2. Menopause is just a physical process.

While menopause does involve physical changes, it also has a significant impact on women’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Many women experience anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances during menopause, leading to a negative impact on daily life and work performance.

 

3. All women experience menopause the same way.

Every woman’s body is unique, and so is her experience with menopause. Some women may experience more severe symptoms than others, while some may not experience any at all. Age, genetics and lifestyle factors can all play a role in how menopause manifests in different women.

 

4. Menopause only affects older women.

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but it can happen earlier or later in some cases. Perimenopause, which is the transition period leading up to menopause, can begin as early as a woman’s mid-thirties. It’s essential to educate ourselves and our bosses on the range of ages when menopause can occur.

 

5. Women can’t perform well at work during menopause.

Many women continue to lead productive and successful lives during menopause. However, it’s essential for workplaces to be supportive and accommodating during this time, perhaps with providing flexible working hours, a calmer working environment, or even encouraging employees to take breaks when needed.

 

6. Menopause is an excuse for poor performance.

Menopause may cause some disruptions in physical and mental wellbeing, but women should not be held responsible for these changes. Instead, bosses and colleagues should support women during this phase of their lives by being understanding and empathetic.

 

7. The only treatment for menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

While HRT can alleviate some symptoms, there are other natural ways that women can manage the discomforts of menopause. These include regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management techniques, and simply talking to someone who has gone through the experience.

Hormone therapy can relieve some symptoms of menopause but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It has risks and benefits that should be weighed carefully with a healthcare provider.

 

8. Menopause marks the end of a woman’s sexuality.

Menopause does not mean the end of a woman’s sex life. While hormonal changes might affect libido, many women continue to enjoy sex as they age. It’s necessary to spread positivity around sex beyond menopause and remind our bosses of this fact.

Menopause might affect your sexual function and desire but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on intimacy or pleasure. You just have to be more creative and communicative.

 

9. Menopause affects women’s productivity permanently.

Menopause is a temporary phase, and while productivity may be affected in the short-term, it should not have long-term consequences on a woman’s working life. In fact, many women report feeling more focused and productive once they’ve made it through the other side of menopause.

Menopause might make you feel tired or unfocused sometimes but it doesn’t mean you are any less competent or motivated than before.

 

10. Menopause is taboo and therefore, we shouldn’t talk about it.

This misconception is entirely wrong. Talking about menopause is essential to normalise what is a natural part of life for all women. We need to encourage discussions on menopause in the workplace, not only to help women going through it but also to educate others who might not have experienced it yet.

It shouldn’t be a taboo subject.  Menopause affects half of the world’s population and yet it’s often stigmatised or ignored. Let’s talk openly and honestly about menopause, without shame or embarrassment.

 

11. Menopause means you’re old.

Excuse me, I’m not old, I’m a vintage model! Menopause is not a sign of age, it’s a natural process that happens to women between their late 40s and early 50s (although it can happen earlier or later).

 

12. Menopause affects only women.

Newsflash: menopause can affect everyone around you too. Your partner, kids, colleagues and yes, even your boss. They might have to deal with your mood swings, forgetfulness, or sudden bursts of tears.

 

13. Menopause is a medical condition.

Nope. Menopause is a natural decline in reproductive hormones, not a disease or an illness that needs to be cured.

 

14. Menopause lasts forever.

Good news and bad news. Menopause itself usually ends after a few years but its effects can last for decades, including a higher risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and other health issues. That’s why it’s important to stay healthy, active, and informed throughout your life.

 

15. Menopause is just about hot flashes.

Ha, if only! Hot flashes are just one of many symptoms that can include mood swings, insomnia, headaches, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.

 

16. Menopause is not a big deal.

A big deal? More like the biggest deal of your life! You are going through physical and emotional changes that affect everything from your sleep to your libido.

 

Menopause is a crucial stage in every woman’s life and we must educate ourselves and our bosses about the realities of this transition. It’s time to break down taboo and dispel myths around it, moving towards more supportive policies for those experiencing menopause on top of education on how to better support workers going through it.

 

So, if your boss ever says something like, “Why are you so moody?” or “Are you having a midlife crisis?” or “Can’t you just take a pill for that?”, don’t take it personally. They might just have some misconceptions about menopause.

 

Educate them with humour, empathy and facts. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all in this together.