Dr Manisha
Embracing Menopause in the Workplace

Menopause is a significant phase in a person's life, often accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms that can impact work life. It’s crucial for workplaces to support people during this transition, ensuring they feel understood and valued. Dr Manisha emphasises the importance of raising awareness about menopause and creating supportive workplace policies. 

With nearly a decade of experience as a General Practitioner (GP) within the NHS, Dr Manisha has been a dedicated pillar in the community. Her journey in healthcare took an exciting turn when she joined Bupa, spending 3.5 years providing health assessments and delivering the Bupa Menopause Plan in clinic. In 2023, she transitioned to a Bupa Corporate Site, bringing her wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach to a broader corporate audience. 

What is the menopause and why does it happen? 

Menopause occurs as a result of the ovaries producing less oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, usually over a period of years. It is clinically defined when periods have stopped for 12 months or more, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average being 51 in the UK. The perimenopause is the period before this when hormone levels are dropping, causing symptoms such as changes in menstrual cycles. A surgical menopause can occur at any age if both ovaries are removed, leading to a sudden onset of menopause. 

Common Symptoms of Menopause  

Not all people will experience symptoms, but up to 80-90% of those going through menopause will have some, and 25% describe these as severe and debilitating. Symptoms include: 

• Hot flushes

• Night sweats 

• Mood changes such as increased anxiety, irritability and/or low mood 

• Fatigue and sleep disturbance including insomnia 

• Brain fog, poor focus and concentration 

• Weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight 

• Skin changes including dryness, thinning, sagging and new diagnoses of conditions such as acne and rosacea 

• Hair changes such as thinning and hair loss, texture changes and/or increased facial hair 

• Headaches including new onset and/or worsening migraines 

• Reduced sex drive 

• Joint and/or muscle pains 

• Palpitations 

• Vaginal dryness 

• Urinary symptoms  

• Dry mouth including gum disease 

Reduced hormone levels can also affect long-term health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. 

Supporting Colleagues Through Menopause 

Supporting colleagues going through menopause can make a significant difference to their work experience. As colleagues, you can help those going through menopause by:  

• Educating yourself about menopause.  

• Encouraging open conversation to create a culture where discussing menopause is not taboo.  

• Listening actively to the unique experiences of others and providing individualised support is key.  

• Recognising racial, ethnic, and cultural differences in attitudes and experiences of menopause allows for a focused approach in supporting people during this time. 

Bupa Menopause Plan: 

At Bupa, we understand that menopause can affect a person's performance and well-being at work and that’s why we offer a comprehensive Menopause Plan for our people that includes:  

• Personalised care: a 45-minute appointment with a doctor resulting in a personalised care plan. 

• Follow-up support: 30-minute follow up appointment up to a year after the initial appointment. 

• Nurse support through our Anytime HealthLine 

The Menopause Plan is design to empower people experiencing menopause to seek advice, choose their treatment and take control of their health.  

Treatments and Lifestyle Changes 

A holistic approach to managing menopause includes lifestyle changes and, if appropriate, hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The decision to use HRT should be made after thorough discussions about the risks and benefits. Regular reviews are essential to adjust treatment as needed. 

Recommended lifestyle changes include: 

Diet: Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, low unsaturated fats, and salt. Limit red meat, alcohol, and caffeine. Stop smoking. 

Exercise: Incorporate varied movement, strength training, and relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga. 

Menopause looks different for every person, so it’s important to have open conversations and provide tailored support. By understanding and addressing the challenges of menopause, workplaces can create a more inclusive and supportive environment, benefiting both employees and the organisation. 

References: 

1. British Menopause Society (2021) What is menopause? Retrieved from https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/17-BMS-TfC-What-is-the-menopause-AUGUST2023-A.pdf 

2. Balance by Newson Health. The Essentials. Retrieved from https://www.balance-menopause.com/#essentials-anchorhttps