Women Spend Half Their Careers in Perimenopause and Menopause
Menopause: The Career Game-Changer Nobody’s Talking About 💥 Let’s get real: women spend nearly half their careers in menopause. HALF. This isn’t just a personal journey—it’s a workplace issue that impacts productivity, engagement, and well-being for women and their teams. Yet, it’s been shoved into the shadows for far too long. Enough is enough.
What Happens When We Ignore It?
Women juggling sleepless nights and brain fog still show up.
Countless careers stall because support is MIA.
Whole organisations miss out on the resilience, wisdom, and authenticity that seasoned women bring.
Why Leadership Needs to Step Up Inclusive leadership isn’t just about buzzwords; it’s about action. Menopause matters to every stage of life and leadership. Acknowledging it smashes stigma, opens conversations, and helps build workplaces where women don’t just survive—they thrive.
Here’s What Bold Leadership Looks Like:
Break the Silence: Normalise menopause as a workplace topic—no more whispers or side glances.
Empathy in Policy: Flexible hours, wellness programs, and tailored support systems aren’t perks—they’re essentials.
Champion Diversity: Celebrate every phase of life. Menopause is part of the incredible journey that makes women unstoppable leaders.
Stronger Workplaces, Stronger Futures When we address menopause with courage and empathy, we foster **authentic leaders, resilient teams,** and workplaces that truly value diversity and inclusion. This isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about shaping a future of leadership where every individual is empowered to thrive.
Here’s how this reality reshapes the leadership landscape—and why addressing it is crucial for building stronger, more equitable workplaces.
1. It Shapes Resilience
Perimenopause and menopause demand physical and emotional resilience. Women navigating this while leading or building careers develop unparalleled strength and adaptability. These qualities often become leadership superpowers.
2. It Reinforces the Need for Workplace Empathy
Recognising that many women manage symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or hot flashes while excelling at their jobs emphasises the importance of empathetic and inclusive workplaces. Menopause awareness is no longer optional; it’s essential for creating environments where women thrive.
3. It’s a Catalyst for Change
Women stepping forward with their stories about perimenopause and menopause inspire policy changes like flexible work, wellness programs, and leadership support systems. This advocacy paves the way for healthier, more sustainable careers for everyone.
4. Women Gain Confidence
As women transition through these stages, many embrace an era of 'no more apologies.' It’s a phase marked by clarity of purpose, bolder leadership, and authenticity, where they own their voices and show up powerfully.
5. It Highlights a Leadership Gap to Fill
Half a career spent navigating menopause means organizations should rethink how they support long-term leadership growth for women. By addressing menopause, companies retain and empower talented leaders instead of losing them due to a lack of understanding.
6. It Normalises the Conversation
Breaking the stigma about menopause is revolutionary. Leaders talking about this openly not only help normalise it but also become role models for younger generations entering the workforce.
This stage of life isn’t a challenge to overcome—it’s a force of nature that redefines leadership, authenticity, and the courage to lead boldly. Women rocking their careers through menopause prove that strength isn’t about ignoring what’s happening; it’s about thriving through it.
How to embrace it
Embracing perimenopause and menopause—especially when it intersects with your career—requires a mix of self-compassion, strategy, and empowerment. Here’s how to lean into this transformative time:
1. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power. Learn about the phases, symptoms, and changes so you’re prepared to navigate them with confidence.
Pro tip: Read up on hormone health, nutrition, and mental wellness. Podcasts, books, or menopause support communities are goldmines of information.
2. Own Your Experience
This is a natural, powerful life stage—stop apologizing for it. Reframe menopause as a badge of wisdom and resilience.
Mantra: "I’m stepping into my most authentic, unapologetic self."
3. Communicate at Work
Advocate for yourself. If you're struggling with symptoms like brain fog or fatigue, be upfront with your manager or team.
Push for flexible work arrangements or workplace wellness programs that include menopause support.
4. Build a Support Network
Share experiences with friends, colleagues, or online communities to normalize the conversation and reduce isolation.
A menopause coach or therapist can be transformative for personal guidance.
5. Prioritise Your Health
Nutrition: Focus on a diet rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein to support hormonal health.
Exercise: Incorporate strength training, yoga, and cardio to counteract changes in metabolism and bone health.
Sleep: Prioritise rest, as quality sleep is crucial during this time.
6. Redefine Your Leadership
Recognise that this stage brings clarity and wisdom. Use it to amplify your voice and inspire others.
Lead by example: Be open about your journey to normalise menopause in leadership spaces.
7. Tap into Creativity and Passion
Menopause often sparks a shift in priorities. Use this as an opportunity to rediscover passions or pursue new goals—whether that’s writing, painting, or starting a new venture.
8. Seek Medical Guidance
Consult healthcare professionals about managing symptoms with solutions tailored to you, such as HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or natural remedies.
9. Celebrate the Freedom
There’s an incredible sense of freedom in this phase of life—no more periods, fewer societal pressures, and a clearer sense of self. Celebrate it!
10. Champion Others
Share your knowledge and support other women navigating this phase. Be a role model for embracing menopause with grace and strength in the workplace and beyond.
By embracing menopause as a powerful transition rather than a setback, you can turn this life stage into a launchpad for boldness, authenticity, and reinvention.