Even though perimenopause and menopause are natural parts of a woman’s life, they can both have a big impact on a woman’s mental and physical health. During this stage of a woman’s life, having others around them that are mentally aware and literate is essential

Menopause is the end of a woman’s ability to have children, and the years leading up to it are called perimenopause which is characterised by hormonal fluctuations and irregular menstrual cycles. Perimenopause can be several years before menopause, usually in a woman’s 40s but can start in the early 30s for some women.

Hormone levels decline during perimenopause, leading to hot flushes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in menstrual patterns. Menopause, on the other hand, marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years after the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months.

During menopause, hormone production significantly decreases, resulting in the cessation of ovulation and fertility. There are multiple psychological and physical impacts that these phases have on women such as irregular menstrual cycles, which can include shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter bleeding, or not having periods at all.

Hot flushes and night sweats can make it hard to sleep and hard to get things done because they come on so quickly and make a woman sweat a lot. Hormonal changes can make it hard to sleep or cause other sleep issues, which can affect a woman’s energy level and mood. Low oestrogen can cause your vaginal tissue to be dry, which can be painful when making love. Changes in a woman’s hormones can hurt her sexual pleasure and desire, which can both go down as a result.

There is a chance that women will have headaches, aches and pains in their muscles and joints, and become more sensitive to certain things. Changes in hormones can cause changes in metabolism, which can lead to weight gain, especially in the stomach area. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can cause irritability, anxiety, sadness, and mood swings.

Changes in hormones and problems sleeping often lead to a lack of drive and a feeling of being tired. There is a chance that some women will have trouble with their memory, ability to focus, and other mental skills.

Workplace Menopause Awareness

Having knowledgeable workplaces and life partners can be helpful in several ways. If spouses and bosses know more about the physical and mental health issues that come with perimenopause and menopause, they will be better able to help and understand women who are going through these changes. This could make the place where people are happier and friendlier.

When managers are aware of how menopause might affect an employee’s work, they are better able to make reasonable changes. To deal with menopause symptoms, these changes can include changing work schedules, giving fans or a comfortable place to work, and giving a variety of work and life choices.

Organisations knowing about perimenopause and menopause helps get rid of the stigma that comes with these natural changes in a woman’s body Through sharing information and encouraging open conversation, organisations can create a society in which women are treated with dignity and respect and their physical and mental health is a top priority.

Managers who have been trained in mental health first aid can help with spreading information about perimenopause and menopause. MHFA training can make a person much more aware of mental health issues and more literate to best manage women during this time.

Mental health awareness in mental health first aid training can help both employers and partners to have a better understanding of the impact of perimenopause and menopause and the best ways to support women going through this life stage transition.

If more people were literate on perimenopause and menopause, it will help on a societal level in better understanding menopause making both home and work more supportive and healthier for women going through these changes.