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Menopause is the term used to mark the end of a person’s menstrual cycles. It is determined after the person has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause often occurs when a person is in their 40s or 50s, with the average age being around 51.
The 3 stages of menopause include:
Perimenopause means "around menopause”. It is also called menopausal transition. These terms refer to the body’s natural transition to menopause. Individuals may start perimenopause at different ages. It is often noticed as menstrual irregularity, sometime in a person’s 40s, but it can occur earlier or later.
The level of estrogen in the body rises and falls unevenly during perimenopause. Menstrual cycles may lengthen or shorten. Not all people will show the same signs or symptoms. Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:
Most often, menopause has little or no impact on an employee's ability to do their job and employers may not know the employee is experiencing these changes. However, for others, there may be an impact on health, performance, and attendance.
Symptoms of menopause may be cognitive, physical, and psychological (for example hot flushes, muscle aches, poor concentration, anxiety, and headaches). As such, effects in the workplace may include fatigue, lower energy, lower performance, or poor mental health.
Changes to the body as a result of menopause that may impact the workplace include:
Employers and employees should work together to address concerns around menopause respectfully.
Organizations may:
Whether you are experiencing menopause symptoms or if you are working with someone who is, remember: