Is menopause making your life at work miserable? You're not alone: A recent report revealed that about 5 in 10 women struggle to perform their job duties because of menopause symptoms.

At Midwest Women Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ltd, in Downers Grove, Illinois, our caring team of gynecologists understands what you're facing. We have more than four decades of experience guiding women through menopause with compassion. 

Our team knows menopause can make your workday feel longer, harder, and more stressful — but it doesn’t have to. Whether you’re dealing with hot flashes in the boardroom or losing focus during meetings, we’re here to help make work and home life easier.

This month our blog focuses on simple, actionable tips to help you take control of those pesky symptoms so you can be your usual confident, successful self in the workplace.

1. Dress in breathable layers

Hot flashes hit fast, so you want to be ready to respond just as quickly. Dress in light layers you can quickly shed when the heat hits.

2. Keep a fan close at hand

Place a small fan on the corner of your desk. Be sure to keep it angled only at you (when you're in the throes of a hot flash, the last thing you need is to hear someone else complaining of being cold!)

3. Give yourself a break

Walk, stretch, or poke your head outside to breathe in the fresh air. Just a few minutes can help loosen stiff joints, calm anxiety, and invigorate a fuzzy brain, all problems common in menopause.

4. Stay hydrated

Keep a mini fridge stocked with cold water at your desk, or use an insulated bottle and fill it to the brim with ice water. Water helps cool you down and boosts energy, mood, and mental clarity.

5. Cut back on caffeine and sugar

Both can trigger or worsen symptoms like anxiety or irritability. It's natural to have some unhealthy cravings during menopause, but try to make some smart swaps. For example, decaf vs. full-octane coffee, or dark chocolate (which has some health benefits!) versus high-sugar milk chocolate.

6. Track your symptoms

Keeping a symptom diary helps you and us: Our team can use this information to recognize patterns and better formulate the ideal menopause symptom management plan for you.

7. Plan for fatigue

Unfortunately, fatigue is a common menopause issue, affecting nearly half of perimenopausal women (those in the menopause transition period) and a whopping 85% of post-menopausal women. Instead of trying to power through it, try to work around it. Consider scheduling your most demanding tasks earlier in the day when your energy is highest.

8. Use focus tools

Menopause brain fog is real — and it can be debilitating. Add focus tools to your workspace, for example, small dry-erase boards, sticky notes, or a great new planner.

9. Talk to your supervisor

If you feel comfortable, take some time to discuss potential workplace changes to make your life easier. Something as simple as a relaxed dress code or shorter, more frequent breaks can make a big difference.

10. Let us help

While lifestyle changes can certainly help make menopause more comfortable, it's important to treat the underlying source of your discomfort: The lack of hormones. We offer effective solutions, like hormone replacement therapy (HRT,) to help you feel like yourself again as you navigate a challenging period.

Your symptoms aren’t just in your head, they’re real and common. But you’re not alone, and you don’t have to push through without support.

Menopause support in Downers Grove

At Midwest Women Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ltd, we understand how disruptive menopause symptoms can be — especially when trying to perform at work. We offer medical guidance, lifestyle advice, and treatment options tailored to your needs. Call us at 630-852-3762 to schedule an appointment today.