Physical activity is a crucial part of leading healthy and active lives at all ages. For those experiencing menopause, being active can help manage some of the symptoms. So how can you support your female workforce during this time?
Peri-Menopause and Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but can start earlier or later. Symptoms include hot flushes, fatigue and mood swings which can affect attendance and performance in both the workplace and in physical activity.
Women going through menopause may experience:
According to research by Women In Sport, active women felt empowered to take control of their life.
Exercise can help women manage stress, improve sleep quality, boost mood, and maintain a healthy weight. It also has a direct impact on improving heart health, bone strength, and flexibility — all of which are areas that become more vulnerable during menopause.
No matter what organisation you work for – a club, a charity, or local authority – here’s how you could support your female workforce through menopause:
Menopause symptoms are often unpredictable – there will be good days and bad days. If you allowed longer lunch times or flexible working, you’d be creating the right conditions for your employees to live an active life that works for their needs.
Could you invest in an exercise ball for your office so women could do some strength and balance exercises during a five-minute break such as these from Menopause Matters? Or offer a quiet, private space where they can do these quick, no-equipment exercises also from Menopause Matters?
Allow yourself and your employees the time to learn – either through reading or formal training – about the importance of moving during menopause, so you can be an advocate for women, and women can advocate for themselves.
Make sure to engage men in the conversation so they know why their involvement is important to support women.
Moving Medicine designed a resource to help health professionals speak confidently to women experiencing menopause about getting active.
This Girl Can Peri and Menopause Event – Energise Me hosted a webinar to enlighten, educate and provide a safe, open space for people to discuss the possible challenges they face keeping women in this life stage active.
The Menopause Movement E-Learning Course – This CIMPSA endorsed course will equip you, or your staff, with the knowledge and skills to support the wellbeing of menopausal women.
Could you partner with local community groups or create menopause-friendly programs that offer low-impact activities that are especially beneficial for managing symptoms such as Pilates, strength training, or swimming?
The Menopause Café – Host meetups for women with menopause to come together and discuss their experiences.
NetballHer – Have collated information and resources to keep women with menopause in Netball.
OutdoorHer – A health and wellbeing resource hub to help women experiencing menopause stay active in the outdoors.
The Menopause Charity – Created a document to help women understand how physical activity can help maintain healthy bones during menopause.
You could also signpost your female workforce to this resource so that women feel empowered to talk to their employer about menopause.
In 2023, Eastleigh Borough Council led a Menopause Warriors campaign to provide a range of resources and activities to help those experiencing menopause manage their symptoms. Activities included Broadway Boogie, Low-Impact Circuits and Walk and Talks. Could you get in touch to ask for advice or guidance to do the same?
Places that host physical activity can make practical adjustments to ensure women going through menopause have a comfortable environment to get active. Offering quiet spaces for cooldowns, access to water stations, and even temperature-controlled rooms can make exercise more enjoyable and accessible for menopausal women.
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Helping us tackle inactivity to boost health and happiness
