Promoting the positives of menopause
All too often, it can be all gloom and doom when we’re having menopause conversations. Whether that’s in the workplace, within professional and support networks, or with family or friends.
So it’s important to shine a light on the positives of menopause too.
For very many women, perimenopause and beyond brings not only physiological and hormonal changes but much greater emotional awareness as well.
There’s tremendous power in this enhanced sense of self – and clear benefits for the workplace too.
Probably the most commonly mentioned of these new realisations is a better and deeper understanding of ourselves as individuals. This often manifests as what feels like a ‘truer’ knowledge of what we really want – for ourselves, and from life and work – and how we can help to make a positive impact on others.
Hannah Charman, a natural menopause specialist and medical herbalist, has a beautiful way of explaining this phenomenon.
She says: “Generally, I talk about menopause in a very positive way. Because traditionally it’s when we’d have consolidated all the wisdom and life experience we’ve accumulated over the years, and bring it out into the world in a new way.
The hormone changes on the brain literally shift us into a different headspace, which takes the emphasis away from caring for others, and towards caring for ourselves. It’s the ultimate stepping into our power, usually for the first time in our lives.”
Hannah is keen to point out that this shift of perspective can feel hard if we still have caring responsibilities (either for younger or older generations). But she believes fundamentally that “it’s a good thing”.
Traditionally, she explains, postmenopausal women would have been highly revered for their wisdom.
One of the problems associated with negative conditioning around all things menopause, she adds, is that “most of us don’t really understand menopause or the many gifts it can bring. But if we understand the deeper meanings and find peace with the aging process, it becomes a lot easier.”
And she points out: “In countries where older women are treasured, there’s very little problem with menopause compared to here.”
So how can we make this work for us and for our teams in our various workplaces?
Well, for starters, having a greater understanding of ourselves and focusing more on taking better care of ourselves will inherently help us to bring out the best of ourselves in a work environment too.
That deeper knowledge of our desires, cares, strengths and capabilities often sees women doubling down on the work that makes them thrive, and in areas where they know they can make a difference.
This new-found confidence can be a real game-changer – for individuals and employers alike.
“A new phase is always potentially exciting,” agrees Claire Callaghan, a chartered physiotherapist who focuses on female health.
“Personally, it’s an opportunity for us to review our health – on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and financial – and make necessary adjustments,” she explains.
“For some women, not having periods (especially if they were particularly painful or heavy) immediately means they’re able to work better. For others, symptoms of menopause may prompt healthy lifestyle changes. Getting a bone health check, for example, and discussing it with a GP may lead women to do more physical activity. Or experiencing hot flushes or headaches in menopause may prompt women to be more aware of alcohol intake.”
In each of these cases, the associated improvement in physical and mental health, increased alertness and greater ability to work well naturally benefits workplaces, as well as having wider ongoing positive health impacts for the individuals concerned.
Mel Wakeman, a registered nutritionist, agrees – and adds a third dimension to that line of thinking:
“Although I’m not ‘out the other side’ (yet), I’ve gained further understanding of myself, which has helped me develop a stronger sense of self, identify and prioritise my own needs. I’ve become better at advocating for myself. I discovered it’s OK to do things differently and try new things.”
She adds: “I’m less critical and more compassionate towards myself. I feel more empowered to set healthier boundaries and embrace my authentic self.”
Setting (and sticking to) boundaries is common subject for many women at this time in their lives.
Hannah is one of them. For her, greater confidence has resulted in clear benefits all round: “Positives I’ve discovered personally include that I’m more assertive, with stronger boundaries and stronger intuition (most of the time anyway!). I have more emotional maturity, I’m more grateful for doing the work I love and I’m less inclined to sweat the small stuff.”
The impact for teamwork and communication with colleagues is clear.
“This is a time when some women are looking to open up new social circles and opportunities, explains Claire. “Women are very good at coming together in a communal way.”
Hannah offers a slightly more pithy perspective: “People can still annoy me, but I can understand them a bit better nowadays!”
Overall, there are plenty of positives of menopause to help counteract the inevitable challenges.
In the workplace, more confidence, can translate to more capability and more clarity in conversations. It leads to greater awareness, less people-pleasing, an improved sense of wellness for all – and more women reaching out to ask for appropriate support, if and when they need it.