Page updated 24 March 2023
The purpose of this guide is to raise awareness of the impact of the menopause on individuals and how you can support them as a people manager. Management has a key role to play in making workplaces inclusive and reducing stigma around menopause. This guide should be read in conjunction with the UCD Menopause (including perimenopause) Policy.
There are currently almost one third of working women/people in the core menopausal age (50-64). With the menopausal and older demographic (50+) increasing, it is crucial for businesses and institutions to step up with policies and procedures to support ageing workforces going into the future. Women are working through perimenopause, menopause and beyond and this can mean managing the demands of work and home life whilst also dealing with sometimes severe symptoms and other issues. Although it is women who experience the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause, it is recognised that the menopause can also directly and indirectly affect others both within the workplace and at home. Some trans and non-binary colleagues also experience menopause. As people managers, we are responsible for our people, their performance and any occupational health and adjustments required. Menopause affects everyone and is not just a women’s issue. Getting information about what menopause is, how to respond and how to support our people are critical to break the taboo, retain top talent and create an inclusive, thriving and healthy workplace. It is also important to be aware that whilst it is generally accepted that the menopause affects people between 45 and 60 years of age, it can occur much earlier for some and perimenopausal symptoms can be felt from up to 6 years prior to the onset of menopause.
Different Types of Menopause
Menopause
Menopause is part of the natural ageing process. It refers to the time when menstruation has ceased for 12 consecutive months. It is triggered by lower levels of oestrogen, which decrease naturally between the ages of 45 and 55. Whilst it is a natural process, it can brought on earlier by certain things e.g. chemotherapy, hysterectomy. The menopause can cause a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that can last for several years. The majority of menopausal women experience symptoms, but everyone is different. Symptoms can fluctuate and be felt to varying degrees but 99% of women experience at least 1 menopause symptom. Experiencing any of the typical symptoms can pose a challenge for women as they go about their daily lives, including at work.
On average the menopause lasts 7.4 years. However, others experience symptoms that can last for several years and impact their performance and attendance at work. Some people go through menopause with little impact on their daily life.
Perimenopause
the time leading up to the end of your periods when changes start to happen. This typically starts in the age groups of late 30s to early 40s.
Post-menopause
this is a biological stage of life when a woman has not had a period for over 12 consecutive months
Premature menopause
this occurs before the age of 40 (also known as POI - premature ovarian insufficiency) which may be brought on because of illness or surgery
Surgical menopause
follows the removal of one or both ovaries or radiation of the pelvis.