Menopause and Burnout: Exploring the Link Between Menopause and Burnout

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Menopause can have a significant impact on how women perceive their work performance. Women who used to feel confident may now experience decreased productivity or a change in their work experience. Symptoms such as fatigue, memory issues, and anxiety are common, which can affect their professional lives. Shockingly, almost a third of these women report that the impact is significant.

Most women go through menopause between 45 and 55 years old. Menopause is defined by the cessation of monthly menstrual periods for at least 12 consecutive months. Perimenopause is the stage before menopause when the ovaries produce fewer eggs, and menstruation can be irregular. Estrogen and progesterone levels decline, leading to symptoms that may include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and decreased libido. These hormonal changes and symptoms can significantly impact women’s mental health and well-being. An interaction that often goes unnoticed is menopause and burnout. This blog aims to shed light on this issue and the challenges women may experience and offer guidance on navigating this transitional time.

The interplay of menopause and burnout

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often caused by prolonged stress and overexertion.

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often caused by prolonged stress and overexertion. It is characterised by feelings of depletion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. Symptoms of burnout can manifest in various ways, including fatigue, irritability, decreased motivation, reduced productivity, and physical discomfort. Burnout can significantly impact mental health if left unaddressed, leading to anxiety, depression, and physical ailments. Burnout can affect anyone; however, studies suggest that women may be more vulnerable due to societal expectations and the multiple roles they juggle.

The hormonal fluctuations caused by menopause can increase stress levels, emotional instability, and reduced resilience. Studies have shown that lower estrogen levels can lead to anxiety and depression. Women experiencing menopause may also face sleep disturbances, including insomnia and night sweats, further exacerbating stress, fatigue, and cognitive function. These changes can impact professional performance. Hormonal changes during menopause can also affect memory, concentration, and cognitive function, making it difficult to manage workload effectively. Menopause can bring about intense emotional changes, such as irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. These changes, combined with demands at work and personal life, can contribute to burnout. The emotional toll of menopause symptoms can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Navigating the Challenges

Menopause can induce challenging physical and emotional changes that may disrupt everyday routines and feel like an uphill battle. The good news is that you can manage these symptoms with lifestyle adjustments and self-care.

Prioritise Self-Care: Engage in physical and mental well-being activities, such as regular movement and stress management techniques—for example, walking, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and quality sleep routines. Self-care is crucial in reducing menopause symptoms while preventing and managing burnout.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support hormone regulation and overall health. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods may alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Create Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Delegate tasks when possible and learn to say no to excessive demands. Setting realistic expectations and managing workload effectively can reduce stress and keep burnout at bay.

Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues for emotional support. Sharing experiences and seeking understanding can help alleviate feelings of isolation and stress. If symptoms persist or significantly impact your quality of life, consult a healthcare professional to discuss menopause symptoms and explore potential treatment options.

Menopause symptoms can adversely affect a woman's work performance.

What workplaces can do to support women

Menopause symptoms can adversely affect a woman's work performance. This may lead to some women leaving their roles, and not applying for promotions and specialised roles, resulting in a loss of skilled workers. To prevent this, organisations can support their menopausal employees. There are several ways to accomplish this, and some are explained below:

Supportive policies: Establish policies that are inclusive and prevent discrimination, stigmatisation, bullying, or harassment of menopausal women. Include coverage of menopause leave as part of personal leave in workplace inductions. Encourage breaks and provide a rest area to manage severe symptoms.

Consider flexible working arrangements with the option to work from home. This can help women manage symptoms of fatigue, hot flushes, and mood swings.

Flexible working arrangements: Consider flexible working arrangements with the option to work from home. This can help women manage symptoms of fatigue, hot flushes, and mood swings.

Open Communication: Create an open and supportive environment where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences and challenges.

Education and Awareness: Implement training and awareness programs for all staff to increase their understanding of the issue and learn how to handle sensitive conversations.

Temperature Control: Review workplace temperature control and provide access to ventilation, fans, and cool water. Flexible clothing options and if uniforms are required ensure they are breathable fabric.

Summary

The link between menopause and burnout can have a significant impact on a woman's overall health and work life. Women can navigate the transition of menopause successfully by understanding the interplay between their experiences. Maintaining balance and preventing burnout during this time is crucial. Additionally, workplaces must be inclusive and supportive in their design to help women through this process and retain skilled talent.

References/Citations

Circle in - caregiver employee benefits platform. https://circlein.com/wp content/uploads/2021/03/Circle-In-Driving-the-change-Menopause-and-the workplace.pdf

Geukes, M. et al. (2020) ‘Attitude, confidence and social norm of Dutch occupational physicians regarding menopause in a work context’, Maturitas, 139, pp. 27–32. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.05.015.

Menopause (2023) Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397.

Menopause (no date) Jean Hailes. Available at: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a z/menopause.

Perimenopause: Symptoms, treatments, weight gain, and more (no date) WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide-perimenopause.

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