October 18th is International Menopause Day.
We look at the challenges of this time in a woman’s life and why it’s a turning point.
I’ve always been reluctant to write about menopause because I have been afraid of it being weaponised. By someone. I was personally fortunate and don’t recall any special issues except one winter having very low heating bills. Always a bonus. But I also had a lot of other things going on.
Menopause starts for most women between 45 – 50 although symptoms can kick in earlier. For many women, the late 40s and early 50s can be one of the most intense and emotional times of life. It’s often a period filled with multiple shifts happening all at once, in the body, at home, and professionally. This is a time when many women make life re-assessments.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it can be challenging for some. Many women experience hot flushes/flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight changes, and trouble sleeping. Some feel anxious or more emotional than usual. Others notice their energy levels drop, or their bodies respond differently to stress and inevitably some sort of weight gain. These changes can be confusing, especially for women who have always felt strong and in control. It’s easy to feel frustrated when your body no longer acts and looks the way it once did, especially in cultures where youth is celebrated.
The workplace taboo around this subject can make it difficult to navigate.
Empty Nesting
At the same time, many women are going through major changes at home. Children are growing up could be entering the rebellious teenage phase, and/or leaving for university. At one time, it also meant moving out to start their own lives, but today it is more likely to mean having your adult children under your roof.
This “empty nest” stage can bring pride and joy, after all, seeing your children become independent is something to celebrate. But it can also bring sadness, loneliness, or a sense of being lost. Daily routines built around raising children may suddenly disappear. The house feels quieter. There can be moments of wondering, “Who am I now that they don’t need me in the same way?”
On the other hand adult boomerang children who yearn for independence but can’t afford it, unless the bank of Mum and Dad kicks in, provides another set of challenges and boundary setting. I’ve worked with execs who find this more stressful than running a company.
Career Challenges
And while all of this is happening, many women are also at the height of their careers. They hold leadership roles, manage big projects, or run their own businesses. The expectations at work can be high, and the pressure can feel heavy.
31% of women feel unable to talk about their menopause symptoms in the workplace.
Trying to balance demanding jobs with physical changes, emotional shifts, and family transitions can be exhausting. Many women keep pushing themselves to do it all, to stay strong, show up, and keep everything together, often without asking for help.
Women are expected to age gracefully, stay productive, and remain emotionally strong and with the figures of 25 year olds. But the truth is, this period of life can bring real stress, self-doubt, and fatigue. And that can be difficult to admit. I don’t recall discussing it once with anyone.
As 20-30% of women experience extreme circumstances, it’s imperative we lift this no-talk taboo to create psychologically safe place for women to air their concerns.
Menodivorce
What we have also seen at this time is a spike of “grey divorces” as women heading into their 50s and make make life changes around their personal relationships. In 2010, more than one in four (27%) people getting divorced were at least age 50. More than a third of divorces in this age group are initiated by women.
Perimenopause and menopause can prompt a wide scope of symptoms, including lack of sex drive and restless sleep, and many women admit they struggle with carrying the majority of the mental load. This causes them to evaluate every aspect of their lives including their own relationship.
Elder care
If that wasn’t enough to deal with women in their late 40s frequently have parents in their 70s and find themselves as the main providers of elder care making up 80% of informal caregivers. Elderly mothers are also disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s, and two thirds of those with the disease are women
Major Transition
The good news is that it’s also a time of strength and clarity. Many women discover a new kind of confidence and energy during these years. With children grown and more personal freedom, they start to explore parts of themselves that were set aside for years. New hobbies, deeper friendships, travel, personal growth, or career shifts become exciting possibilities. Priorities become clearer, and many women feel more comfortable in their own skin than ever before.
Start Conversations
The most important thing is not to face it alone and to seek help if you are struggling.
- Talking with friends, joining support groups, speaking to doctors about menopause symptoms. It’s important to discussing any challenges at work and to set healthy boundaries. This is a phase. Taking care of your body and mind isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
- To line managers a real message is to stop tip-toeing around these issues. Develop your listening skills and treat individual women with empathy. Maybe they just need a fan in their pods!
This stage of life may be challenging, but it can also be a powerful turning or just an inflection point. It’s okay to step back and make changes. The stage passes and many women report feeling invigorated when they emerge from the experience.
Your late 40s and early 50s aren’t the end of your story, they’re the beginning of a new chapter, one based on wisdom, strength, and self-care.
Organisations should support your female talent through every stage of their careers. Midlife transitions, can be a time of renewed strength and leadership.
Partner with 3Plus International to create psychologically safe, inclusive workplaces where women can thrive.
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