Not to worry you, but the effects of menopause might hit sooner than you think. Perimenopause – the process that happens before we have our last period – can last up to 12 years, and while it is considered ‘normal’ to happen between the ages of 45 and 55, some people can begin experiencing symptoms up to 10 years before that. In short, perimenopause makes up a significant portion of our time on earth, so we really should be a bit better prepared for it. 

That preparation isn’t just in terms of our hormonal health, but in the adjustments we might make to our lives to fit our new perimenopausal realities, such as how we work. 

“The conversation about perimenopause has much more visibility than ever before,” says Cathy Hastie, a social entrepreneur, HR director and author of Menopause Working. “Public figures sharing their stories and openly talking about how their symptoms have affected them has opened the door for much more transparent conversations in the workplace.” 

But the idea of bringing up perimenopause-related issues in the workplace can still feel awkward. So how do we do it? Hastie shares her advice ahead. 

First off, you might be wondering if you should discuss perimenopause at work. Hastie says absolutely yes, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. 

“Unless you have a very honest and open relationship with your boss, discussing periods and brain fog probably feels a little uncomfortable, and understandably so,” she tells Stylist. “Symptoms of perimenopause are often very personal, and you might fear being judged or embarrassed at the prospect of discussing heavy periods with someone you work with. The next section will give you pointers for how you can approach the conversation, but first, why should you have the conversation?

“Being honest allows you to ask for the support you need. If you are able to have an open conversation, your boss will have a better understanding of what is happening to you and provide the right support. Everyone has a different experience of perimenopause, and by discussing your situation, you could get the solution that is right for you rather than one that is generic. The more we talk about perimenopause in the workplace, the more the conversation becomes mainstream.”

For any tricky conversation, preparation is key – if only to bolster your confidence. It can help to read up on perimenopause and learn more about how it can affect you, and keep track of your own symptoms. 

“Making notes in advance of speaking to your boss can help to scaffold the conversation and keep it focused,” Hastie recommends. “Do your research about perimenopause and speak to your doctor to help you to understand how the symptoms may be affecting you.”

“What you choose to disclose about your perimenopause symptoms are a personal choice and should be within your own level of comfort,” says Hastie. “You don’t have to share everything and only provide details you are happy with. 

“You could try talking about the adjustments you need rather than the details of the symptoms. For example, if your periods are erratic and heavy, rather than go into the detail about this, you could say that you are having problems with your menstrual cycle and request to work from home when this arises.

“Perimenopause symptoms can be disruptive to managing your work, but a well-planned and constructed conversation can get you the right support and adjustments you need to thrive in the next phase of your life and career.”

Not sure what adjustments could help? Talking to an occupational health practitioner or GP could be beneficial. Explain that you’re starting to experience perimenopause and want to raise this with your manager. They should be able to make some recommendations that can ease any discomfort, such as flexible working patterns or a change to your office environment.

“Whether you have a menopause café at work or an online support group, you can guarantee that there will be someone who has been there before and can help you to navigate the conversation with your boss,” Hastie says. “You are not alone and talking to people who have had the same experience with menopause helps to normalise the conversation.”

Menopause Working by Cathy Hastie is out now. 

Main image: Getty