Menopause Conversations: Stories From Our Community
Menopause affects thousands of women within the healthcare business insights community, often at the peak of their careers. Yet many experience it as a private struggle, unsure what’s happening, where to seek support, and whether it’s “acceptable” to talk about at work.
Evidence shows just how complex and under-recognised this life stage can be. According to the British Menopause Society, half of women aged 45–65 who experienced menopause had not sought advice from a healthcare professional, despite reporting an average of seven symptoms. Forty-two percent said their symptoms were worse than expected, and more than a third reported an impact on their work life, alongside effects on home and relationships. Many also experienced difficulties with sleep, memory and concentration, symptoms that significantly affect daily functioning. Wider research reinforces this picture, with almost one in four working women saying they had considered resigning due to the impact of menopause.
These insights match with what we heard in our conversations: the emotional burden, the cognitive challenges, the identity shifts, the impact on confidence and the role that workplaces can play.
This series brings together three honest, real-life conversations: a personal account, a workplace experience and a medical perspective. Together, they reveal how menopause impacts emotional wellbeing, cognitive function, confidence, relationships and daily working life, and why understanding, empathy and open dialogue matter.
Listen to the stories. Share them. Start a conversation in your team. Because if we don’t talk about it, we can’t support it.
Conversation 1: The Personal Story
“When you don’t recognise yourself.”
In this honest and vulnerable conversation, a member of our community shares how perimenopause affected her emotional wellbeing, identity and relationships. From crying unexpectedly in a GP appointment to feeling out of control, she describes how easily menopause can be misunderstood or overlooked.
Listen to the full audio.
Conversation 2: The Workplace Story
“Building a global support network.”
What began as a small private group became a
global support network of 600 members across 25 countries. This conversation
shows the power of peer support, shared experience and psychological safety and why menopause is a workplace and retention issue, not just a health topic.
The contributor behind this piece was very open to continuing the conversation and sharing more with anyone who’d find it helpful. If you’d like to connect or learn more, please email admin@bhbia.org.uk and we will be happy to help facilitate next steps.
Listen to the full audio.
Conversation 3: The Medical Perspective
“The clarity every woman deserves.”
In this practical and reassuring conversation, a GP explains how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause affect sleep, mood, concentration, memory, anxiety and daily functioning. She also outlines longer-term health implications and evidence-based support options, including HRT, CBT and lifestyle approaches.
This perspective helps women feel informed rather than overwhelmed, and helps colleagues recognise how menopause can affect work and wellbeing.
Listen to the full audio.
Further support and resources
CIPD: Menopause in the Workplace Guide
Practical guidance for people managers on supporting women through menopause and making workplace adjustments.
Independent reviewed guidance offering accessible explanations of menopause symptoms and treatment approaches.
A Pfizer-backed awareness initiative sharing experiences and insights to help normalise conversations about menopause.
NHS – Menopause Overview
Evidence-based medical information on menopause, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.