Women at Work

Working Through Menopause (at Work)


Listen Later

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:

  • It’s Time to Start Talking About Menopause at Work,” by Jeneva Patterson
  • Is Menopause a Taboo in Your Organization?” by Megan Reitz et al.
  • Aging Up, Not Out,” by Women at Work
  • Sign up to get the Women at Work monthly newsletter.

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

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Women at WorkBy Harvard Business Review

    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    1,364 ratings


    More shows like Women at Work

    View all
    The McKinsey Podcast by McKinsey & Company

    The McKinsey Podcast

    388 Listeners

    The Look & Sound of Leadership by Essential Communications - Tom Henschel

    The Look & Sound of Leadership

    1,166 Listeners

    Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak

    Coaching for Leaders

    1,464 Listeners

    HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

    HBR IdeaCast

    1,838 Listeners

    How to Be Awesome at Your Job by How to be Awesome at Your Job

    How to Be Awesome at Your Job

    1,034 Listeners

    TED Business by TED

    TED Business

    1,109 Listeners

    Cold Call by HBR Presents / Brian Kenny

    Cold Call

    197 Listeners

    Dear HBR: by Harvard Business Review

    Dear HBR:

    743 Listeners

    Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

    Worklife with Adam Grant

    9,191 Listeners

    Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style by Laura Camacho

    Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style

    85 Listeners

    HBS Managing the Future of Work by Harvard Business School

    HBS Managing the Future of Work

    106 Listeners

    The Anxious Achiever by Morra Aarons-Mele

    The Anxious Achiever

    575 Listeners

    Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

    Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

    812 Listeners

    Coaching Real Leaders by Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins

    Coaching Real Leaders

    667 Listeners

    HBR On Strategy by Harvard Business Review

    HBR On Strategy

    78 Listeners

    HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

    HBR On Leadership

    157 Listeners

    New Here by Harvard Business Review

    New Here

    81 Listeners