"I did not recognize myself": a mixed methods study to better understand the experiences of menopause in a US workplace.

Abstract

Objective: This mixed-methods study aimed to describe the prevalence and impact of menopausal symptoms on midlife women in a US workplace.

Methods: An online survey was disseminated to all US-based employees of a US-headquartered pharmaceutical company. Eligible respondents were aged 40-65 years and self-identified as having (or expecting to have) personal experience of menopause. Descriptive statistics were generated. Survey respondents were sampled for in-depth interviews, on which thematic analysis was performed.

Results: Eligible survey responses were received from 1,642 employees, of which 18 participated in in-depth interviews. The mean respondent age was 51 years, and a range of job roles were represented. The majority of respondents (83%) reported that they had current or prior experience of menopause. Menopause symptoms most commonly impacting workplace performance included changes to sleep patterns, changes to memory, hot flashes and anxiety, although interviews highlighted a diversity of symptom presentations. Menopause symptoms were reported to affect stress levels, confidence in abilities, patience with others, and ability to concentrate at work; 7% of menopausal respondents took time off work due to menopause symptoms. Although half of the respondents disclosed that they would feel extremely or somewhat comfortable discussing menopause with colleagues, only 9% of those with current symptoms reported that they had received support with their menopause symptoms at work.

Conclusions: This study found that menopause impacts women's perceptions of their own performance at work, and that many are unsure how to approach conversations about menopause in the workplace. A substantial gap in knowledge about menopause was identified, highlighting the need for further education and support.