Supporting an employee through menopause

Perimenopause and menopause are different for everyone.

You may get symptoms that have a big impact on your daily life, including relationships, social life, family life and work, or you may hardly have any symptoms at all.
Symptoms can happen during perimenopause and menopause. They can also happen after your menopause has ended (post menopause).

Sometimes, ethnic background can affect symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, how severe they are and how long they last. For example, women from a Black ethnic background are more likely to have hot flushes that are severe and continue longer.

Changes to your periods

One of the first signs of perimenopause is usually a change to your periods. They may happen more often or less often, and bleeding may get heavier or lighter. Eventually, you stop having periods altogether.

Hot flushes and night sweats

Hot flushes are when your face, neck and chest suddenly feel very hot or cold. It can make you sweat a lot, cause palpitations or anxiety, or make you feel dizzy. It can happen during the day or night (night sweats) and last for several minutes.

Sleep problems

Not being able to get to sleep or stay asleep can affect your daily life. It can make you feel irritable, stressed and anxious. Sleep problems may be worse if you also have night sweats.

Mood changes, poor memory and brain fog

You may have mood swings, low mood or depression. You may also notice problems with your memory or concentration. These symptoms may feel worse if you have sleep problems and feel very tired.

Weight gain

Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is common. It often happens around the stomach and upper body.

How long menopause and perimenopause symptoms last

Perimenopause ends when you reach menopause. Menopause is when you have not had a period for 12 months. After this it's called postmenopause.

Symptoms usually last for 7 to 9 years, sometimes longer, and during this time they can change.

For example, you may get hot flushes and night sweats for a while, but they may improve and be replaced by other symptoms such as low mood and anxiety.