Menopause & Perimenopause Awareness



Posted 30/05/2025





This month PCS has been raising awareness of perimenopause and menopause at work. PCS is championing support for all workers who are affected by perimenopause and menopause and help and support is available to you, should you require it.



What is menopause & perimenopause?



Menopause occurs when a person stops having periods, which usually takes place between the ages of 45 and 55. However, it can happen earlier for a variety of reasons, including certain medical treatments, underlying health conditions or premature ovarian insufficiency.


The stage leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. This is when hormonal changes begin to cause symptoms, even though periods have not yet stopped completely. Perimenopause can start several years before menopause itself, and in some cases, as early as the late 30s. It ends when a person has not had a period for 12 consecutive months, at which point they are considered to have reached menopause.


Here are some of the key signs and symptoms of menopause:

  • Anxiety and mood changes, including low mood or irritability
  • Changes in skin, such as dryness, increased oiliness or the onset of adult acne
  • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
  • Vaginal dryness, and pain or discomfort during sex
  • Hair thinning or hair loss
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Hot flushes
  • Joint stiffness, aches and pains
  • Loss of self-confidence
  • Heart palpitations
  • Problems with memory, concentration and ‘brain fog’

These are just a few of the key symptoms, and as you can imagine, trying to balance work and everyday life while managing them can feel almost impossible. This often leaves women feeling overwhelmed and without support, leading many to believe they have no choice but to leave their jobs altogether.


In some cases, women are stepping away not because they want to stop working, but to find employers who actively prioritise their health and wellbeing. Here at PCS, you are a priority to us and we are working behind the scenes to find the best ways to support you.


Menopause and perimenopause can often feel like taboo topics in the workplace, largely due to the unnecessary and unfair stigma that still surrounds them. More than 10% of people report feeling discriminated against because of their symptoms.


Despite its significant impact, menopause remains under-researched and widely misunderstood. The reality is that the effects are serious, but the solutions are often far simpler than people expect.




Menopause is frequently viewed as an issue that only affects older women, but new research shows that 50% of women begin experiencing perimenopausal symptoms in their 30s, and one in 100 will go through menopause before the age of 40.

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It’s important to remember that the menopause is normal and that support should be available to help you at work. Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce, so it’s important now more than ever to be able to speak openly about menopause at work.


Menopause can affect a woman’s working life. Sometimes menopausal symptoms or working conditions can impact your ability to concentrate or carry out your role to the best of your ability.


In a survey of 1,000 adults in the UK, the British Menopause Society found that 45% of women felt that menopausal symptoms had a negative impact on their work and 47% who needed to take a day off work due to menopause symptoms say they wouldn’t tell their employer the real reason.


Many women have said that they often find managing their menopause symptoms in the workplace very challenging. Coping with symptoms in the workplace can be hard, especially as many women find it difficult to talk about menopause at work.


If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms that are impacting your ability to work, you can speak to your manager and let them know what you’re going through. Opening up to someone in a professional environment may feel awkward, especially if your manager is someone you don’t feel comfortable talking to about personal matters. If you feel like this is the case, you could try speaking to a different member of your management team or your counsellor here at PCS. Your counsellor can offer support and advice to you or just a listening ear.


Before speaking to someone you could try:

  • taking notes of your menopausal symptoms and how or when they are affecting you
  • thinking of solutions that you think could help you


If you are struggling with perimenopause or menopausal symptoms. You don’t have to struggle alone. You can talk to your PCS counsellor at any time. There is a drop in every Tuesday evening 5pm-8pm. Alternatively you can call or message Jaime on 07399 809671 or email jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk



Virtual Drop-in Clinic





If you are feeling a little down, worried about the current pandemic, or just looking to let off some steam; our counsellor is now providing virtual drop-in sessions every Tuesday.


Issues or concerns discussed with Jaime do not need to be work related; but could include home life, relationship, or health concerns.


We want you to be assured that the counsellor here at PCS is there to listen to you in a confidential, safe and secure space.


This service is completely confidential and free to all our Staff.



PCS (Personal Care Services) Ltd



West Lancashire Investment Centre, Maple View, White Moss Business Park, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9TG.

Tel: 01695 553930 | Email: enquiries@personal-careservices.co.uk

CQC Registration No.: 1-102477663




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