I am coming out of a very energizing discussion we had at our company and our organization, about perimenopause and would be seriously remiss to not take the opportunity to do my bit in destigmatizing this very human biological phase in a woman's life. So here is a quick post about (1) what exactly menopause and perimenopause are, (2) why you should do your bit to destigmatize it at work, and (3) what can you do, as a business leader and a team player, to support your women colleagues.
?Here are some facts (sources cited below):
- What is menopause? Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman's last period.?
- What is perimenopause??The years leading up to the point of menopause, when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms, are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause.
- When does perimenopause happen? The menopausal transition or perimenopause most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. However, most women can start to notice things changing in their mid-30s. Perimenopause can start as much as a decade before actual menopause.
- Does it affect all women the same way? No. The severity of symptoms, and the age of transition to this phase, varies greatly around the world and by race and ethnicity.
- What are the symptoms of perimenopause? Some of the symptoms are irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, changing cholesterol levels, loss of bone, brain fog, weight changes, etc.
- Why is understanding menopause and perimenopause important? While menopause a normal transition in women’s lives, the ability to manage symptoms associated with this life transition has been reported to greatly influence their quality of life and impose physical, psychological, and economic burdens. Thus, strengthening women’s ability to manage symptoms during the menopausal transition in culturally competent ways is imperative for the health and well-being of more than 40 million midlife women in the U.S. and across the globe.
Why are we talking about this? At work!!
The answer is very simple.
- Most tech (or other industry) companies have women underrepresented. Quite a few companies are trying to increase the female population. In order to do so, it is important for leaders to understand some of the basic biological phases women go through (similar to how we approach pregnancy for instance) in order to provide support during these phases.
- There is a lot of stigma around this topic so women find it hard to ask for help or find support when they need it. Not being able to ask for help and receive it, prevents them from bringing their best to the business and the company.
As a business leader and a team member, what should you do? What should you not do?
- If you are not a woman and have reached this section of the post, you are already an ally and are committed to leaning into the discomfort and taking action to support. Do not ask someone 'are you going through perimenopause' (Yikes!). Instead do create a safe environment that allows anyone on your team to ask for support when and if they choose to do so. If someone shares their experience with you, ask them if and how you can support them. Point them to any corporate resources available.
- If you are a woman going through these symptoms - thankfully, you are not alone. ~49.8% of the entire world population goes through this in some form or another. Speak to your doctor to learn more. Schedule your annual physical exam. Take care of yourself. If your company has an employee resource group for women, be vulnerable and brave to create opportunities to discuss this topic openly.
Be the change you want to see in the world. Speak up! Lean into the discomfort.
If you have other ideas, feel free to share and comment below!
Sources - National Center for Biotechnology Information, NPR, National Institute on Aging, National Women's Health Network,
E-commerce Director, UK & Northern Europe, Microsoft
3 年Great post Deepthi - and a really great discussion yesterday
Design Director at Microsoft
3 年Thank you for raising awareness. Definitely one of those matters where it feels best to avoid, not have to deal with it, and most def. not talk about it. But just like all other matters we discuss in our society today, your post made me realize the importance of this matter as well.