Menopause
The menopause can significantly affect women’s health, and if not addressed, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression, potentially impacting job performance and overall wellbeing.
As the union of a million women in public services, UNISON take the menopause seriously. Nearly eight out of 10 menopausal women are in work, so it’s a workplace issue for everyone who cares about fairness in the workplace, not only those who experience it directly.
Fair and flexible workplace policies can help women manage menopause symptoms and continue working effectively.
On this page
What is the menopause?
The menopause is marked by changes in the hormones and the ending of menstruation (when a woman’s periods stop for 12 consecutive months). For most women it happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although a minority of women experience it in their 30s or earlier. In the UK the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 52.
During the period before the menopause (peri menopause) these changes lead to menstrual irregularities. Symptoms associated with the menopause include hot flushes, palpitations, night sweats and sleep disturbance, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, mood disturbance, skin irritation and dryness. Overall, this period of hormonal change and associated symptoms can last from four to eight years.
The menopause can lead to changes in a women’s health and may also lead to emotional changes. These can affect how a woman does her work and her relationship with her colleagues.
Workplace support
Unfortunately, there is often very little understanding of the issues and very little support for women who are going through the menopause. Employers have been slow to recognise that women of menopausal age may need special consideration.
For too long it has simply been seen as a private matter. As a result, it is very rarely discussed, and many managers will have no awareness of the issues involved. This means many women feel that they have to hide their symptoms and will be less likely to ask for the adjustments that may help them.
This must change. The menopause is an occupational health issue, and one that is growing in importance. Women now make up almost half the workforce and there are an estimated three and a half million women over the age of 50 currently in work. That number will rise as the retirement age for women increases over the coming years.
It is important that safety representatives and stewards raise the issue in the workplace and make sure that employers are aware of their responsibilities to ensure that conditions in the workplace do not make menopausal symptoms worse. Women who are experiencing the menopause also need to know that there is someone they can go to and discuss any difficulties they are having.
What does UNISON do?
UNISON campaigns to help employers understand the effects of the menopause. While everyone experiences it differently, 59% of women say their symptoms have had a negative impact on their work.
Our trained reps negotiate practical policies with employers to keep you healthy and safe, promote the benefits of a supportive and flexible environment, and help to protect you from discrimination.
UNISON calls for meaningful workplace support for anyone experiencing the menopause. Younger women can experience symptoms too through early menopause, or medical or surgical menopause. Trans people, including non-binary people, can also experience the menopause.
Legal disclaimer
The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law and is based on the laws of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
While UNISON has sought to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, it is not responsible and will not be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences, including any loss arising from relying on this information. If you are a UNISON member with a legal problem, please contact your branch or region as soon as possible for advice, or for non-employment matters call UNISONdirect.