Equity , diversity and belonging
Equity , diversity and belonging
Feature
Identifying and addressing the occupational challenges faced during menopause
To mark last month ’ s World Menopause Day , Claire Zamora asks if the menopause affects occupational performance and if so , as occupational therapists , are we talking about it enough ?
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Note on inclusion and terminology : while the author in this article and most menopause resources predominantly talk about women experiencing the menopause , we also recognise that transgender and non-binary people will experience menopause as well .
A s defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( NICE 2019 ), the menopause is a biological stage marked by the cessation of periods for 12 months . In the UK , the average age of menopause is 51 years , although this can vary across cultures .
What is often overlooked is the impact of symptoms experienced during the different stages of menopause – premature menopause , early menopause , perimenopause and post-menopause .
The stages are experienced uniquely by each woman . While there may be common symptoms , the experience can be deeply personal . The reason I chose to write this reflection , is to highlight my own challenges and what I ’ ve learned and continue to learn , both personally and professionally , as an occupational therapist .
The term menopause originates from the 19th Century ; first described in 1816 , by a French doctor as a medical syndrome known as ‘ la ménespausie ’ ( Greer 1991 ). From that point on , menopause began to be medicalised , shifting away from being understood as a natural stage in a person ’ s life .
By framing menopause in medical terms , it could be argued that the full impact of the symptoms on a woman ’ s body , life and daily activities has not been holistically understood or considered .
My personal experience with menopause began in 2019 , when I was 49 . I felt incredibly low ,
anxious , fatigued and lacked motivation . Having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety years earlier , I initially thought these feelings were related .
From my past experiences , I expected these feelings to pass . However , my heightened anxiety and low mood persisted for much longer , accompanied by extreme fatigue and lack of motivation .
As someone who is highly active and enjoys hiking and working out at the gym , these changes were difficult . I could no longer fully engage in activities that brought me joy .
Being proactive about my health and wellbeing , I realised I needed help . I confided in a trusted friend , who suggested that I might be in the perimenopausal stage and recommended I speak to a GP or nurse about possible treatments such as hormone replacement therapy ( HRT ).
On reflection , and through conversations with others , I realised that many woman are unaware they are going through perimenopause or menopause due to a lack of information and support .
I now understand that I was in the perimenopausal stage , although at the time , was unaware of the range of symptoms and how long they might last .
Exploring preventative health
Since 2019 , I have sought professional help and started HRT . I have also become more aware of the importance of rest and have adjusted how I manage my energy . This led me to explore preventive health practices , particularly in relation to menopause .
44 OTnews November 2024