Menopause Matters: Driving Through Fear to Empower Women at Work
- pauseandempower
- Sep 15
- 6 min read
On Saturday 13th September, I did something that, for me, was pretty brave: I drove to Northampton. For most people, that might sound ordinary, but I am not the most confident of drivers. My comfort zone is usually Bedford and its familiar roads. But this trip had a purpose, and a very good one at that.
I was heading to the Age of Love Conference, this year subtitled Menopause Matters, to speak about menopause in the workplace. The event was organised and hosted by the phenomenal Dr Audrey Tang – author, academic, and wellbeing advocate – and generously funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. My mission? To talk about what rights women currently have at work, what’s coming next with the Employment Bill 2025 (spoiler alert: menopause will become a protected characteristic), and how to ask for what you need from your employer when you’re going through this very real, very impactful life stage.
This wasn’t just any conference – it was part of the Age of Love Cafés movement, pioneered by Professor Sharron Hinchliff to get people talking openly about sexual wellbeing across the lifespan. Their very first event was so successful it was featured in the United Nations State of the World Population Report as an outstanding example of how grassroots projects can create societal change.
Why Menopause at Work Deserves the Spotlight
Before I share more about the day, let’s talk about why this matters. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, but perimenopausal symptoms can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s. Hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety, disrupted sleep, mood swings, joint pain – they don’t just stay at home. They follow you into meetings, presentations, job interviews, and performance reviews.
A 2022 CIPD study found that three in five menopausal women were negatively affected at work, and almost one in ten had left a job because of symptoms. That’s a huge talent drain. These are experienced, skilled women at the peak of their careers, quietly stepping away because the support simply isn’t there. This is why conversations like the one we had at the Age of Love Conference are so powerful – they break the silence, reduce stigma, and create a ripple effect that can change policies and workplace cultures.
The Event: Learning, Laughter and Liberation
The day kicked off with a performance by the Burlesque Squad – the perfect way to break the ice at what could have been a very serious conference. There’s something about music, movement, and just a bit of cheekiness that gets everyone smiling and ready to engage.
Our line-up of speakers was impressive:
Anita Powell, founder of Menopause Alliance, who busted some of the most persistent menopause myths (and taught us a few wannabe-burlesque moves while she was at it).
Me, sharing practical advice on menopause at work.
Jacqui deSouza, who spoke about her journey through medical menopause – a topic we need to talk about more.
Norma Soganile, UKNM Style Queen and Pageant Award winner, who showed us what it means to live unapologetically and break stereotypes about aging.
Refreshments were provided by The Lewis Foundation, and tickets were sold on a “pay what you can” basis, with proceeds supporting CLICK Arts Foundation, which funds grassroots projects promoting wellbeing and inclusivity. The whole event was designed to be accessible, welcoming, and inclusive.
My Role: Demystifying Menopause Rights at Work
When it was my turn to speak, my goal was simple: make workplace rights clear, practical, and empowering. Many women still don’t realise that menopause symptoms can fall under the various legislation, including the Equality Act 2010 as a disability if they have a substantial and long-term impact on daily life. And with the upcoming Employment Bill 2025, menopause will become a protected characteristic in its own right, putting it alongside race, disability, and pregnancy/maternity in terms of workplace protection.
Here’s what I told the room:
Know your rights: You have the right to ask for reasonable adjustments – whether that’s flexible hours, a desk fan, uniform changes, or time off for medical appointments.
Document your symptoms: Keeping a diary helps you explain the impact clearly to HR or your line manager. (I admit I did forget this one, although it was in my notes; brainfog!)
Use internal policies: Many organisations have wellbeing, sickness absence, or flexible working policies that can be used to support you. Whenever you can, keep things informal – it makes conversations flow so much more easily.
Be brave in asking: You’re not being difficult; you’re asking for what you need to perform well at work.
I also shared tips on how to write a Flexible Working Request that works for both you and your employer. But here’s the thing – you only get two of these a year. So, if you can agree some temporary tweaks informally with your boss first, that’s often the easiest way to get the conversation flowing (and growing!).
If you’re reading this and wondering where to start, begin with your HR team or manager. Frame your conversation around performance and solutions: “These changes will help me keep delivering at my best.” That language lands far better than just focusing on the problem.
The Other Speakers: Wisdom and Inspiration
After my session, Jacqui deSouza took the stage. She spoke openly and powerfully about the lack of support for women going through medical menopause – whether due to surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments. Her story was raw, but ultimately uplifting, as she shared how she has come out the other side stronger and happier.
Then came Norma Soganile, who looked incredible in a vibrant outfit that radiated confidence. She talked about how the Pageant Awards opened doors for her and gave her a platform to challenge stereotypes about what women in their 40s and 50s “should” look or act like. It was inspiring to hear from someone so committed to rewriting the rulebook on midlife.
The Power of Safe Spaces
One of my favourite parts of the day was the mid-morning break. Over coffee and cake, we shared awkward (and often hilarious) menopausal moments. There’s something healing about telling someone about the time you forgot your own postcode or turned up to work with two different shoes on – and hearing them say, “Oh yes, me too!”
The day ended just as it began – with burlesque! We had a chair-dancing lesson where we learned how to sit and strut like burlesque stars. There was giggling, cheering, and maybe a few sore knees, but it was joyful. I suspect more than one partner at home was treated to an impromptu performance that evening.
The Takeaways – For You
Driving home, with cheesy tunes blaring and a big grin on my face, I reflected on what made the day so special. It wasn’t just the speakers, or the burlesque, or the cake (though all were excellent). It was the sense of community – women coming together to support each other, share wisdom, and leave stronger than they arrived.
If you’re a menopausal woman reading this, here’s what I want you to take away:
You are not alone. Millions of women are going through this, and there is support out there.
You have rights at work. Learn them, use them, and advocate for yourself.
Your career doesn’t have to stall. With the right adjustments, you can continue to thrive.
Find your tribe. Whether it’s an event like Age of Love, an online community, or a group of friends, connection is powerful.
And if you’re an employer or HR professional: get ahead of the curve. Menopause isn’t a niche issue – it affects half the workforce at some point. Having a menopause policy, training managers, and normalising conversations isn’t just nice-to-have; it’s good business. Retaining experienced talent saves money, boosts morale, and shows that you take inclusion seriously.
Final Thoughts
Events like this remind me why I do what I do. They’re a chance to turn fear into action, and action into empowerment. I may have started the day as a nervous driver clutching the steering wheel, but I ended it as a woman on a mission – and I would do it all again at the drop of a hat.
If you want to explore how to navigate menopause at work, build confidence, or advocate for yourself, my coaching practice Pause and Empower is here to support you.
Let’s keep the conversation going – in workplaces, in friendship groups, and yes, even in conference halls with a side of burlesque.
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