The image of women has been changing rapidly in recent years. We are not only housewives and mothers, but charismatic and highly successful professionals, leaders, and politicians. There is nothing shockingly new for Western societies in women having careers – but when it comes to mothers, often they can only achieve success in their career once their children are out of the house.
Exciting age
The peak of one’s professional career is generally reached around 50, at the same time as menopause. This often means that women are in higher positions inside an organization, and the number of female managers is growing. Physical and mental well-being is a crucial part of how we see other people; this fact is also related to how society’s image of women has changed in recent years. Examples show that women still face many challenges at this age, and they still have to perform at the workplace and in the family.
Career difficulties
Menopause is worth talking about from the point of view of women’s careers as well. We may not be aware, but this period has several social and economic effects.
Renowned GP and menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson and his colleagues did a major survey about the impact of menopausal symptoms such as memory problems, fatigue and anxiety on women in the workplace.
The findings of the survey which was undertaken by Newson Health Research and Education of 3,800 UK women reveal that 99% of respondents said their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms had led to a negative impact on their careers, with more than a third calling the impact ‘significant’. 59% had taken time off work due to their symptoms: 18% were off more than 8 weeks.
Dr Louise Newson said: “The average age of the menopause in the UK is 51, at precisely the point where many women are the peak of their careers with an abundance of skills and experience to offer.”
In the past few years, scientists have started to examine the effects of menopause on women's career possibilities. In the near future, results may bring about changes in HR and workplace wellbeing so women in menopause can go through this period smoothly and more effectively and without the change of life negatively impacting their professional lives.
Let nothing stop you!
Despite outdated beliefs, menopause is not the end of a career due to mental instability, but for many, it is only a set of annoying but temporary symptoms accompanying the most successful time in their careers. What is most important is for you to be able to lead your professional and private life with fun and strength for as long as you wish.