Managing the effects of perimenopause and menopause at work

Have you ever experienced hot flashes or felt like you couldn’t concentrate? What about a sudden onset of fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pains, or problems urinating? Or maybe you’ve noticed you’re feeling low, anxious, or having trouble sleeping.

All of these symptoms can be associated with menopause and perimenopause, and they can take a toll on your life, health, and relationships. But they can also impact you at work. 

These conditions will affect almost all women and people assigned female at birth as they approach middle age. And not only are they perfectly normal, they’re also manageable with the right support. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s the difference between menopause and perimenopause?

When you notice changes in the length and flow of your menstrual cycle — generally in your early to mid-40s, but it can start in your 30s — this is perimenopause. The term literally means “around menopause” and signals the transition toward menopause. You enter proper menopause, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, once a full 12 months have passed without any periods whatsoever.

Certain diseases and autoimmune disorders, as well as cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, can impede ovary function and trigger menopause prematurely. 

Three ways to manage the symptoms of these conditions at work.

Perimenopause and menopause tend to impact women in the prime of their professional lives. The symptoms can be challenging, especially at work, but they’re easily manageable with the right approach.

1. Talk to a healthcare professional.

There are options for alleviating symptoms, from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to non-pharmacological approaches. The question is whether you require treatment, and which method makes the most sense.

TELUS Health Virtual Care gives you easy access to clinicians so you can talk through and understand the challenges you’re experiencing, and then take the next steps towards helping overcome them — whether that means a pelvic ultrasound, blood work, or exploring treatment options to address your bothersome symptoms.

2. Make your work work for you.

Everyone benefits from having more autonomy in their workday, but it can make an even bigger difference when you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. To that end, remote and flexible work is as helpful as remote and flexible care.

Talk with your employer, manager, or HR team about introducing some flexibility into your schedule and workday so you can take time to rest and recover when your symptoms flare up. No deadline or presentation is more crucial than your health and wellbeing.

3. Create your self-care strategy.

Once you’ve spoken with your healthcare professional and employer, you can form a plan to keep perimenopause and menopause in check with a self-care routine to manage your symptoms and rest.

Virtual Care empowers you to keep an eye on your medical journey and stay in contact with your clinical team.

Virtual Care streamlines your treatment so you can focus on yourself.

With healthcare professionals available 24/7 on TELUS Health Virtual Care, help is just a click away. 

Don’t let perimenopause and menopause hold you back. By being proactive about self-care and getting the right support, you’ll be better-positioned to address the challenges these conditions present so you can focus on being you.