Menopause in the workplace 

Samantha Wild, clinical lead for women’s health at Bupa, discusses how workplaces can support those going through menopause.

Research has shown that one in 10 women are unaware that they are going through menopause, highlighting a lack of awareness about this stage in a woman’s life.

Additionally, nearly 45% of women have never spoken to a GP about their symptoms, and about a third of women feel too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms, particularly with their partners (40%) and their employers (34%).

The embarrassment surrounding these discussions can prevent women from accessing the support they need, including talking to their employer about what they are experiencing and making necessary adjustments in the workplace.

In the UK, we know 77% of the dental team are made up of women, including nearly 52% of dentists, 93% of dental hygienists and dental therapists, and 98% of dental nurses.

So, we spoke to Dr Samantha Wild, clinical lead for women’s health at Bupa, about how dental settings can support their perimenopausal and menopausal staff.

No one-size-fits-all approach

Everyone has a different experience of menopause, so symptoms and their severity will differ from person to person – with some sailing through with a few hot flushes whereas others experience significant debilitating symptoms.

What is the menopause?

For many, menopause is a natural part of ageing when a women’s oestrogen levels decline, and their period stops.

You are said to have reached the menopause when you haven’t had a period for at least 12 months. It typically occurs between 45 and 55, however some women experience it earlier.

When women go through menopause between 40 and 45 years old, it’s known as early menopause which affects 5% of people. If menopause begins before 40, it’s called ‘premature menopause’ or POI (primary ovarian insufficiency) affecting one in 100.

Dealing with early or premature menopause can be even more challenging and stressful, as many women may not understand what is happening to their bodies or where to seek support.

Signs of menopause

Perimenopause and menopause can cause more than 34 physical and psychological symptoms that affect both physical and mental health.

Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, brain fog, changes in mood, poor concentration and memory, low energy, lack of libido, joint pains and changes in hair and skin.

These symptoms can also impact mental health, leading to low self-confidence, low mood, panic attacks and anxiety. It is important to remember that support is available from your GP.

Tips on coping with menopause:

• Seek medical support: if you suspect menopause under the age of 40 or are struggling with any symptoms, you should always speak to your GP for diagnosis and the right treatment. Remember – GPs are there to help, and no problem is too ‘embarrassing’
• Track your symptoms: note your symptoms to discuss with your doctor and monitor treatment effectiveness, to see if they’re working for you
• Open up to loved ones: share your feelings with friends and family for support. Speaking to them about how you’re feeling can help to ease any worries you have
• Self-care: maintain physical and mental wellbeing by limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, eating healthily, exercising, and finding time to relax. This is even more important at this time of life as it can help to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of some of the longer-term consequences of the menopause, such as increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Talking positively

Here are ways that dental practices can support teams and talk positively about menopause:

• Normalise the menopause: to dispel any taboos, it’s important to make sure your whole team knows about key menopause symptoms and how these can affect women at work. Providing information and guidance about this natural stage of life can increase knowledge and help normalise the conversation
• Appoint a menopause champion: with so many individuals impacted by menopause, it may be valuable to designate a menopause champion within the practice or set up a support group. This way, your team will have someone to speak to confidentially, or a group of people who are going through menopause at the same time, so people don’t feel alone
• Promote your resources: having resources available is great if people know where to find them. Ensure your colleagues are aware of the support available for menopause and how they can access it
• Be flexible: consider adjusting your working environment to make it more comfortable. For example, you could modify the temperature or provide uniforms that support menopause symptoms.

At Bupa Dental Care, we’re unique in providing dental and health insurance services. This means we take a holistic approach to caring for our patients and our people, which supports our purpose of helping people live longer, healthier lives, and supports our teams in having lasting careers with us.

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This article is sponsored by Bupa Dental Care.

Read more from this series:

• Everyone has a part to play: creating inclusive workplaces
• Achieving balance during the summer holidays
• Holistic health – the full picture.