Picture this: You’re in the middle of a big meeting. Your slides are perfect, your points are sharp, and suddenly - BAM - a hot flush hits like an internal explosion. Your face is burning, sweat is dripping in places you didn’t even know could sweat (hello, shins?!), and all you want to do is stick your head in the office freezer.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone, sister. Perimenopause symptoms like hot flushes, brain fog, and sudden bouts of anxiety don’t care about your professional calendar - and for too long, workplaces haven’t cared about perimenopause. But here’s the thing: with one in four women experiencing debilitating symptoms and 10% leaving work early because of them, it’s time for change.
So let’s talk about it - openly, honestly, and with just the right amount of sass. From laugh-out-loud stories (because humour helps) to workplace policies that are actually making a difference, here’s why perimenopause in the workplace is the conversation we need to have.
The Impact of Perimenopause at Work
1. It’s Costing Women and Workplaces Big Time
The 2024 Senate Community Affairs References Committee report highlighted just how much perimenopause is affecting women and the economy. Some key findings:
- $17 billion annually: That’s how much menopause costs women in Australia in lost earnings and superannuation.
- Superannuation gap: A woman shifting to part-time work for four years during perimenopause could retire with $25,000 less in her account.
- Early exits: 10% of women leave work prematurely because of perimenopause symptoms.
This isn’t just a “women’s issue”; it’s a workplace and economic issue.
2. The Symptoms Are Real (And Wildly Underestimated)
Let’s get real: Perimenopause is a hormonal storm, and the symptoms can hit like a freight train. Think hot flushes that make you want to strip naked in the office, brain fog that leaves you staring blankly at spreadsheets, and anxiety that feels like an impending sense of doom.
Still not convinced? These quotes from women on Reddit say it all:
- “I spent a good chunk of last summer just spontaneously removing all my clothing in the middle of the house and dumping a bottle of water over my head.”
- “Mine starts like a panic attack… I just feel sick and irritated, and then the wave of heat washes over me. My shins sometimes sweat. It’s bizarre.”
- “It’s like when you get really embarrassed and your face gets hot - but it spreads all over. It’s claustrophobic and borderline anxious.”
These are not small inconveniences - they’re productivity killers.
3. The Stigma is Making It Worse
The Senate report found that a lack of education about perimenopause is leading to unnecessary harm. Many women don’t recognise the symptoms and feel dismissed or misunderstood at work. Combine that with workplace stigma, and it’s no wonder women are leaving their jobs.
Changing the Workplace Narrative
1. Policies That Make a Difference
Thankfully, some organisations are leading the charge:
- Future Super: Their progressive menopause and menstrual policy normalises conversations and offers real support, because - as Khi Prasser puts it—“periods and menopause aren’t illnesses; they’re facts of life”.
- Victorian Women’s Trust: Their paid menopause leave policy offers up to 12 days of paid leave per year to support women through severe symptoms.
- NSW Government Toolkit: This free online toolkit includes a menopause symptoms checklist and resources in eight languages to help workplaces start the conversation.
These initiatives show that change is possible—and overdue.
2. Flexible Work is Key
One of the report’s recommendations is to amend the Fair Work Act to give women access to flexible working arrangements during menopause. This could include:
- Remote work options on tough days.
- Adjusted hours to accommodate symptoms like insomnia.
- Modifications in the workplace, like cooler office spaces or access to cold water.
Flexibility isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline for women navigating perimenopause.
3. Education is Everything
The first step to breaking the stigma? Education. Workplaces need to ensure that managers and HR teams understand the physical and mental toll of perimenopause. Awareness can create a culture where women feel supported instead of sidelined.
How Hey Sister! Can Help
Let’s face it - perimenopause symptoms don’t just go away because you have a big presentation or a back-to-back schedule. But natural solutions like Hey Sister! can make a world of difference.
Here’s how Hey Sister! can support you at work:
- Tames the heat: Its anti-inflammatory properties help manage hot flushes so you can stay cool under pressure.
- Clears the fog: Say goodbye to mid-meeting brain blanks with its natural brain-boosting benefits.
- Calms your nerves: Mild anxiety? Sorted.
- Supports your gut: A healthy gut = a calmer mind (and fewer awkward snack-run bloating moments).
We’re here to help you feel like yourself again, whether you’re running a meeting or taking a much-needed lunch break in front of the office fan.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Perimenopause is no reason for women to feel sidelined or unsupported at work. It’s time to normalise the conversation, push for better policies, and empower women to advocate for themselves.
Got a funny, frustrating, or inspiring story about navigating perimenopause at work? We’d love to hear it! Share it in the comments or tag us on Instagram to keep the dialogue going.
Because whether you’re managing hot flushes in the boardroom or smashing glass ceilings with a fan in hand, you’ve got this - and we’ve got you.
