logo
episode-header-image
May 2020
37m 46s

Working Through Menopause (at Work)

Harvard Business Review
About this episode

In most workplaces, menopause is a taboo topic. Every woman’s transition is different, but it’s a shared experience worth talking about. But how do you tell your boss that your mood swings and brain fog are related to perimenopause? What do you say to colleagues when you break into a sweat—or tears—during a meeting? These and other menopause symptoms can cause many women to feel less confident and competent, but being able to talk about your symptoms with colleagues and asking for the support you need can ease that anxiety.

Dr. Heather Hirsch describes common concerns she hears from women she treats at the menopause clinic she leads. Then Jeneva Patterson makes the case for discussing menopause more openly among colleagues. Finally, Tina Opie joins the Amys to share their experiences with managing symptoms at work.

Our HBR reading list:

Sign up to get the Women at Work monthly newsletter.

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

Up next
Jun 2022
Emily’s Taking a Break from Nine-to-Five
Our free-spirited, entrepreneurial co-host is applying advice from all our episodes on side gigs, freelancing, starting a small business — and quitting — to her own life. Emily reflects on her decision to leave her design job at HBR to fully focus on a long-time creative passion, ... Show More
8m 43s
May 2022
When a Relationship with a Colleague Goes Sour
Say someone on your team who had previously been friendly turns on you and is now making your life miserable and collaboration nearly impossible. Maybe they won’t respond to your emails or even look you in the eye? This is the distressing situation that “Cindy,” a listener of Con ... Show More
34m 25s
Apr 2022
The Essentials: Delegating Effectively
Delegating is a leadership skill that benefits you and your team. But determining when and how to delegate which tasks to whom can be overwhelming. And the discomfort many of us feel around assigning responsibilities to others or making requests of our colleagues can lead us to f ... Show More
45m 22s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2021
Menopause - the last workplace taboo?
Women across the globe are leaving their jobs and sometimes careers because they are unsupported at work when they go through the menopause. But could mandated menopause leave re-dress the balance?Ivana Davidovic speaks with Lauren Chiren, who abandoned her high-flying career in ... Show More
18 m
Jul 2022
The link between menopause and gender inequity at work | Andrea Berchowitz
Hot flashes, joint pain, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping -- these unforgiving menopause symptoms directly impact work but often go overlooked and under-discussed as a taboo topic, says entrepreneur Andrea Berchowitz. She gives practical advice on how to create a menopaus ... Show More
14m 12s
Nov 2023
How To Get Through Menopause
Hot flashes, fatigue, and vaginal dryness were some of Katie’s first clues that her body was changing. Half the population will experience menopause, yet misinformation still abounds—with doctors ill-prepared to talk to patients about this major life transition. On this episode o ... Show More
48m 3s
Sep 2021
3 ways to create a menopause-friendly work culture | Andrea Berchowitz
Hot flashes, joint pain, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping -- these unforgiving menopause symptoms directly impact work but often go overlooked and under-discussed as a taboo topic, says entrepreneur Andrea Berchowitz. She gives practical advice on how to create a menopaus ... Show More
8m 44s
Jul 2021
3 ways to create a menopause-friendly work culture | Andrea Berchowitz
Hot flashes, joint pain, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping -- these unforgiving menopause symptoms directly impact work but often go overlooked and under-discussed as a taboo topic, says entrepreneur Andrea Berchowitz. She gives practical advice on how to create a menopaus ... Show More
9m 2s
Nov 2023
313: One Woman's Journey Through Early Menopause with Adele Johnston
Adele Johnston is on a mission to make menopause mainstream. A world-leading and highly sought-after menopause expert, Adele is committed to breaking down female health taboos, helping women navigate their menopause experience with vibrancy and positivity, and training workplaces ... Show More
49m 54s
Nov 2023
Dr Louise Newson - Maybe it’s Menopause
Menopause, or THE Menopause according to our guest lecturer Dr Louise Newson, affects every woman at some point in her life. That’s 51% of the entire world! And even if you’re not a woman, chances are you know a few of them. Either way, the menopause IS coming. And you better be ... Show More
1h 10m
Apr 2020
Working While Distancing
Are you suddenly working from home? Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Tsedal Neeley, a professor at Harvard Business School. They talk through how to be productive at home whether you’re alone or distracted by children, how to care for your newly remote team a ... Show More
27m 23s
May 2023
Everything You Need To Know About Menopause with Professor Annice Mukherjee #360
Right now, there are more than 13 million peri- or post-menopausal women in the UK. That’s around 25% of the population, you may be in that category or you will be interacting with women in that category. That’s why it’s imperative that all of us have a deeper understanding of wh ... Show More
1h 57m