Menopause Matters

Menopause is a natural stage of life that occurs when your periods stop due to your ovaries producing lower levels of hormones (particularly oestrogen and progesterone).

For most women and people who experience menopause, this happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age in the UK around 51. For some people, menopause happens earlier. This may occur naturally or following certain medical treatments, such as surgery involving the ovaries, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Sometimes there may be a genetic or medical reason, and occasionally no specific cause is identified.

If you are experiencing symptoms that are affecting your wellbeing, relationships or ability to work, you do not have to simply put up with them. Menopause affects everyone differently, and there are many ways your healthcare professional can help.

What is perimenopause?

Before menopause, most people go through a stage called perimenopause. During this stage, hormone levels begin to fluctuate, and periods may become less predictable.

Some people may only notice minor changes, while others experience significant physical or emotional symptoms. Perimenopause commonly begins in your 40s, although it can start earlier or later, and it may last for several years.

Menopause is usually defined as having had 12 months without a menstrual period, when there is no other medical reason for the period to stop.

Everyone’s experience of menopause is different

Menopause and perimenopause can affect people while they are at work, caring for families, or managing other responsibilities. Symptoms vary, and while some people may experience very minor changes, others can find that menopause significantly impacts their everyday life.

While not often discussed, menopause symptoms are real, common, and treatable. You are not alone, and support is available.

What symptoms can menopause cause?

Menopause is more than hot flushes (though these are a common symptom). Changing hormone levels can affect many different parts of the body. Some symptoms include:

  • Hot flushes and night sweats
  • Difficulty sleeping or waking frequently during the night
  • Tiredness and reduced energy
  • Changes in your mood
  • Anxiety or feelings of panic
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things (sometimes described as “brain fog”)
  • Irregular periods, which may sometimes become heavier
  • Headaches or changes in migraines
  • Muscle aches and joint stiffness
  • Vaginal dryness, irritation, or discomfort
  • Discomfort during sex
  • Reduced sexual desire
  • Urinary symptoms (e.g. needing to pass urine more frequently, urinary infections)
  • Dry or itchy skin
  • Dry eyes
  • Noticeable heartbeats or palpitations
  • Changes in your body shape or weight

Everyone will experience menopause differently. You might have one or two symptoms, or several at the same time.

You don’t have to manage it alone

It can sometimes be difficult to talk about menopause, particularly if symptoms involve mood, anxiety, memory, sexual wellbeing, periods or bladder problems. Despite social stigma, there should be no shame in asking for help.

If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, speak to your doctor, practice nurse, pharmacist, or healthcare professional who can support with menopause.

There are sever ways to manage symptoms. Depending on your individual circumstances, these may include:

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Support with sleep, exercise and wellbeing
  • Treatment for vaginal and urinary symptoms
  • Psychological support where appropriate
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (or HRT)
  • Non-hormonal treatments where HRT is unsuitable or not preferred

Treatments should be personalised to you. What works well for one person may not be the best choice for another.

Menopause at work

Menopause symptoms can sometimes make working more difficult. Problems such as poor sleep, hot flushes, anxiety, headaches, heavy periods, or difficulty concentrating can have a significant impact during the working day. Unfortunately, some people are still made to feel uncomfortable discussing menopause at work, worrying that it will be hard to discuss openly, or that their symptoms will not be taken seriously.

You deserve support – you need not struggle in silence. A supportive workplace can make a significant difference to your wellbeing. Practical adjustments your workplace could make include:

  • Making sure the workplace is adequately ventilated
  • Allowing reasonable temperature adjustments where possible
  • Providing easy access to cold drinking water
  • Ensuring toilets and washing facilities are accessible
  • Allowing appropriate breaks when symptoms become challenging
  • Providing somewhere quiet to recover from a severe hot flush, migrate, or episode of anxiety
  • Considering flexibility around working arrangements where appropriate
  • Ensuring managers understand menopause and know how to respond sensitively and confidentially

This aim should be to help someone continue working comfortably and confidently, rather than allowing menopause symptoms to become an unnecessary barrier to their career.

Menopause in the games industry

According to the 2025 GDC State Of The Industry Report, women make up 25% of the video games workforce, and a further 6% identify as nonbinary and may also experience menopause. It’s vital that we put support in place to support these individuals, and challenge the stigma around discussing menopause openly.

Safe In Our World offers a free, dedicated resource to help our Level Up partners create a safer workplace for those who experience menopause. This includes support on policy, training, wellbeing champions, legal considerations, and more. Sign in through our partner portal, or enquire about joining to level up your workplace wellbeing.

Further reading