We’ve pretty much tackled the previously taboo subject of periods. Now period poverty, or even having a period, is something that it’s okay to talk about.
But here’s a subject that still seems out of bounds, especially at the office – menopause.
Even mention the word, and you’ll have the men, and some of the women, running for the door.
But, just like periods, menopause is something that women have to deal with and that, unfortunately, can affect their earning capacity.
So much so that The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) estimates that even if just 10 per cent of women retired early because of menopausal symptoms, it would equate to a loss of earnings and super of more than $17 billion.
Often women enter menopause at the peak of their careers but, because it can be difficult to get help with fluctuating hormone levels or symptoms like hot flushes and even menopausal anxiety, their work is impacted.
To that end, the AIST has called on the federal government to look at how menopause affects women's employment, retirement decisions and superannuation.
Some Australian companies have launched policies allowing employees to take 10 days paid personal leave each year for menstruation, menopause or miscarriage.
If you have menopausal symptoms, it’s your right to get help to feel like yourself again. This may include hormonal treatment to lessen symptoms, or nutritional advice for energy and mood. You can find more information here.
It’s time menopause came out of the closet.