Menopause in the workplace: Is your company doing enough to support you through this transition?
If you've been struggling with menopause symptoms while at work, you're not alone. A recent study found that, in Singapore, 74 per cent of female employees (aged 45 years and older) experiencing at least two menopause-related symptoms reported that it interfered with their ability to do their job and diminished their quality of life.
The results of the study were released in a White Paper by the NUS Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (ACRLE) at the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and HeyVenus Integrated Healthscience, a women's health technology company.
It is the first regional White Paper on menopause at work, with more than 1,700 participants from five countries – Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore. The findings, presented in April, reveal the impact that menopause has on women's work and careers in the Asia-Pacific region.
In Singapore, 66 per cent of women said that social stigma prevents them from openly discussing menopause symptoms – and seeking support in the workplace.
One respondent said: 'I would like to talk about it. At the moment, it is not even acknowledged', while another hoped 'for managers to be understanding and considerate to those experiencing severe symptoms and help with timetable adjustments'.
The White Paper also found that, locally, 71 per cent of female employees and 68 per cent of people managers say a menopause-friendly policy would benefit the organisation. However, only 31 per cent of companies have such policies in place.
Christina Ang, founder and CEO of HeyVenus Integrated Healthscience, said that when unmanaged, menopause symptoms like fatigue, brain fog and anxiety can undermine performance, confidence and career progression.
'According to our APAC White Paper, over 50 per cent of women in Singapore who report that menopause symptoms affect their quality of life and work are in middle to senior leadership roles,' she told CNA Women. 'Yet most women don't speak up – 63 per cent report productivity loss due to symptoms but few seek support due to stigma or fear of being misunderstood.'
This silent strain widens the gender gap in leadership by increasing absenteeism, contributing to talent attrition and disrupting succession planning, she added. In an ageing workforce, this is no longer just a women's issue – it's a structural leadership challenge.
A SHIFT IN HEALTH CONVERSATIONS AT WORK
In 2019, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) co-authored a local qualitative study involving perimenopausal women aged between 47 and 54 years, seen at the hospital, with the aim to increase the understanding of the experiences and needs of perimenopausal women with symptoms.
'Some women shared that they received good support from their employers, while others felt constricted by the nature of their work due to the gender bias placed against them,' said Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, head and senior consultant, Family Medicine Service, KKH. 'While women hoped for better support, they did not expect it given the nature of Singapore's busy lifestyle.'
Assoc Prof Rukshini, who is also co-director of KK Menopause Centre, said that, with more women in the workplace and rising retirement age, menopause-related health information in the workplace deserves more attention.
Audrey Neo, senior partner at Page Executive, which specialises in human resources and consumer executive search, spoke with clients and industry leaders to gather views on the impact of menopause on the workplace.
Menopause has long been a taboo subject in many cultures, including Singapore, and is not commonly discussed in the professional setting, she said. It can also be awkward to be singled out that one is going through menopause.
'However, as we move forward from the pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in how we approach conversations around health and well-being at work,' said Neo. 'Singapore is becoming increasingly progressive in addressing topics once considered off-limits.'
She cited the fact that Singapore's median age is rising. In 2000, the median age was around 34 years. In 2023, it was 42.7 years and is expected to hit 53years by 2050.
'Organisations will need to recognise the needs of employees in their forties and fifties, and hormonal shifts will be a health and wellness consideration and starting point,' said Neo.
'In the broader scheme of things, hormonal shifts affect men too, albeit differently, making this a conversation for everyone to empathise and participate in a safe environment.
'Additionally, framed within the broader context of diversity and inclusion, what kind of wellness practices that organisations incorporate to support employees going through hormonal shifts could be a good starting point to raise awareness on this front.'
WORKPLACE MENOPAUSE SUPPPORT IS SMART BUSINESS
Two women CNA Women spoke to shared how menopause symptoms affected them at work. Juanita Mega, 54, recalled two occasions in her previous job two years ago when she suddenly had heavy menstrual flow while in the office, resulting in her skirt being badly stained.
Two of her colleagues saw what had happened and even though they were supportive, Mega felt embarrassed.
'Luckily, I had a shawl to cover up but I had to rush home to change, cancel face-to-face meetings and give an excuse about a family emergency,' she said.
Mega also had other perimenopause symptoms – heart palpitations, night sweats and sleepless nights – and often had to rely on caffeine to perk her up in the mornings.
Hazleen Ahmad, 53, experienced menopause symptoms such as brain fog, hot flashes and night sweats. It was while going through menopause that she was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Hazleen, who is deputy CEO of the Institute of Neurodiversity Global and president/chair of the Institute of Neurodiversity Singapore, said that 'the workplace of tomorrow must recognise that neuro developmental differences like ADHD and menopause aren't just medical issues – they're part of the rich tapestry of human experience'.
Some companies in Singapore do offer menopause support. Standard Chartered expanded its medical coverage in 2023 to include treatment for menopause-related symptoms. It also has menopause toolkits, offers counselling support and organises talks for staff.
HSBC Singapore also offers coverage for medical consultation and treatment of menopause.
At S&P Global, a ratings and financial information provider, employees going through menopause can access an on-demand online education resource, a spokesperson told CNA Women.
A Managing Menopause Toolkit is available to all employees and flexible work arrangements are on offer, including adjusted working hours and work-from-home options. There are also colleague-led support communities, to get together virtually or in person to share experiences and advice in a safe and supportive space.
Dr Claudine Hyatt, a clinical psychologist and traumatologist, and a partner at mental wellbeing agency Cognitive Approach to Life Management (CALM) International, revealed that companies supporting women through menopause are not only compassionate – it's smart business.
'Midlife women are often at the peak of their professional expertise; failure to support them risks losing key institutional knowledge and leadership potential,' she said.
'Addressing menopause bridges a critical gap in gender-inclusive workplace policy – just as how maternity leave became standard, menopause support is the next frontier in fair workplace design,' she added.
Dr Hyatt said that companies that prioritise women's health signal that they are forward-thinking and inclusive. And employees who feel seen and supported are more loyal, engaged and motivated.
'A workplace that supports women through menopause is a workplace that values longevity, equity and wellbeing. It's not just good ethics – it's good economics,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
13 hours ago
- CNA
Menopause in the workplace: Is your company doing enough to support you through this transition?
If you've been struggling with menopause symptoms while at work, you're not alone. A recent study found that, in Singapore, 74 per cent of female employees (aged 45 years and older) experiencing at least two menopause-related symptoms reported that it interfered with their ability to do their job and diminished their quality of life. The results of the study were released in a White Paper by the NUS Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (ACRLE) at the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and HeyVenus Integrated Healthscience, a women's health technology company. It is the first regional White Paper on menopause at work, with more than 1,700 participants from five countries – Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore. The findings, presented in April, reveal the impact that menopause has on women's work and careers in the Asia-Pacific region. In Singapore, 66 per cent of women said that social stigma prevents them from openly discussing menopause symptoms – and seeking support in the workplace. One respondent said: 'I would like to talk about it. At the moment, it is not even acknowledged', while another hoped 'for managers to be understanding and considerate to those experiencing severe symptoms and help with timetable adjustments'. The White Paper also found that, locally, 71 per cent of female employees and 68 per cent of people managers say a menopause-friendly policy would benefit the organisation. However, only 31 per cent of companies have such policies in place. Christina Ang, founder and CEO of HeyVenus Integrated Healthscience, said that when unmanaged, menopause symptoms like fatigue, brain fog and anxiety can undermine performance, confidence and career progression. 'According to our APAC White Paper, over 50 per cent of women in Singapore who report that menopause symptoms affect their quality of life and work are in middle to senior leadership roles,' she told CNA Women. 'Yet most women don't speak up – 63 per cent report productivity loss due to symptoms but few seek support due to stigma or fear of being misunderstood.' This silent strain widens the gender gap in leadership by increasing absenteeism, contributing to talent attrition and disrupting succession planning, she added. In an ageing workforce, this is no longer just a women's issue – it's a structural leadership challenge. A SHIFT IN HEALTH CONVERSATIONS AT WORK In 2019, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) co-authored a local qualitative study involving perimenopausal women aged between 47 and 54 years, seen at the hospital, with the aim to increase the understanding of the experiences and needs of perimenopausal women with symptoms. 'Some women shared that they received good support from their employers, while others felt constricted by the nature of their work due to the gender bias placed against them,' said Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, head and senior consultant, Family Medicine Service, KKH. 'While women hoped for better support, they did not expect it given the nature of Singapore's busy lifestyle.' Assoc Prof Rukshini, who is also co-director of KK Menopause Centre, said that, with more women in the workplace and rising retirement age, menopause-related health information in the workplace deserves more attention. Audrey Neo, senior partner at Page Executive, which specialises in human resources and consumer executive search, spoke with clients and industry leaders to gather views on the impact of menopause on the workplace. Menopause has long been a taboo subject in many cultures, including Singapore, and is not commonly discussed in the professional setting, she said. It can also be awkward to be singled out that one is going through menopause. 'However, as we move forward from the pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in how we approach conversations around health and well-being at work,' said Neo. 'Singapore is becoming increasingly progressive in addressing topics once considered off-limits.' She cited the fact that Singapore's median age is rising. In 2000, the median age was around 34 years. In 2023, it was 42.7 years and is expected to hit 53years by 2050. 'Organisations will need to recognise the needs of employees in their forties and fifties, and hormonal shifts will be a health and wellness consideration and starting point,' said Neo. 'In the broader scheme of things, hormonal shifts affect men too, albeit differently, making this a conversation for everyone to empathise and participate in a safe environment. 'Additionally, framed within the broader context of diversity and inclusion, what kind of wellness practices that organisations incorporate to support employees going through hormonal shifts could be a good starting point to raise awareness on this front.' WORKPLACE MENOPAUSE SUPPPORT IS SMART BUSINESS Two women CNA Women spoke to shared how menopause symptoms affected them at work. Juanita Mega, 54, recalled two occasions in her previous job two years ago when she suddenly had heavy menstrual flow while in the office, resulting in her skirt being badly stained. Two of her colleagues saw what had happened and even though they were supportive, Mega felt embarrassed. 'Luckily, I had a shawl to cover up but I had to rush home to change, cancel face-to-face meetings and give an excuse about a family emergency,' she said. Mega also had other perimenopause symptoms – heart palpitations, night sweats and sleepless nights – and often had to rely on caffeine to perk her up in the mornings. Hazleen Ahmad, 53, experienced menopause symptoms such as brain fog, hot flashes and night sweats. It was while going through menopause that she was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Hazleen, who is deputy CEO of the Institute of Neurodiversity Global and president/chair of the Institute of Neurodiversity Singapore, said that 'the workplace of tomorrow must recognise that neuro developmental differences like ADHD and menopause aren't just medical issues – they're part of the rich tapestry of human experience'. Some companies in Singapore do offer menopause support. Standard Chartered expanded its medical coverage in 2023 to include treatment for menopause-related symptoms. It also has menopause toolkits, offers counselling support and organises talks for staff. HSBC Singapore also offers coverage for medical consultation and treatment of menopause. At S&P Global, a ratings and financial information provider, employees going through menopause can access an on-demand online education resource, a spokesperson told CNA Women. A Managing Menopause Toolkit is available to all employees and flexible work arrangements are on offer, including adjusted working hours and work-from-home options. There are also colleague-led support communities, to get together virtually or in person to share experiences and advice in a safe and supportive space. Dr Claudine Hyatt, a clinical psychologist and traumatologist, and a partner at mental wellbeing agency Cognitive Approach to Life Management (CALM) International, revealed that companies supporting women through menopause are not only compassionate – it's smart business. 'Midlife women are often at the peak of their professional expertise; failure to support them risks losing key institutional knowledge and leadership potential,' she said. 'Addressing menopause bridges a critical gap in gender-inclusive workplace policy – just as how maternity leave became standard, menopause support is the next frontier in fair workplace design,' she added. Dr Hyatt said that companies that prioritise women's health signal that they are forward-thinking and inclusive. And employees who feel seen and supported are more loyal, engaged and motivated. 'A workplace that supports women through menopause is a workplace that values longevity, equity and wellbeing. It's not just good ethics – it's good economics,' she said.
CNA
3 days ago
- CNA
Weak muscles may increase risk of diabetes among midlife women: NUH study
Weak muscles and high levels of internal fats can significantly raise the risk of diabetes among middle-aged Singapore women, even if they are slim. This is according to a long-term study by NUH, which also recommends a simple blood test to gauge muscle strength. The study hopes the findings can eventually be accepted as a form of muscle strength management for midlife women. Professor Yong Eu Leong, Head and Emeritus Consultant of the Division of Benign Gynaecology at NUH's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and lead of the Integrated Women's Health Programme, discusses women's health. He talks about how muscle strength, visceral fat, diabetes and menopause all correlate with one another.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Muscles, fats and simple blood test can predict menopausal women's health
Madam Sabarina Jumarudin, a participant of the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, with IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong. PHOTO: NUHS SINGAPORE – A simple blood test can predict which woman will have less muscle and will be walking more slowly later in life. It is also practical and cheaper than current methods of measuring muscle, such as the current gold standard magnetic resonance imaging scans or strength tests, which are also more time-consuming. This new insight from a longitudinal cohort study of midlife women in Singapore shone light on how muscle strength, visceral fat and their association with the physical decline after menopause can potentially lead to downstream health impacts among women here. Researchers from the National University Hospital (NUH) and National University of Singapore (NUS) found that women with a lower creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (CCR) – a marker derived from blood tests – had less muscle and walked more slowly as they age. Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle function and energy use, and a higher level indicates higher skeletal muscle mass or poor kidney function. Cystatin C is a protein produced by the body's cells that is filtered out by the kidneys. A normal cystatin C level rules out poor kidney function. A low CCR of under 8.16 was associated with a lower muscle volume of 0.350 litres in the thigh, and a slower gait of 0.049 metres per second. This suggested that CCR could be a useful early warning sign for age-related muscle loss, which may lead to falls, frailty and reduced quality of life. The findings were published in Menopause, a monthly peer-reviewed journal, in March 2025. The scientists are from the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The IWHP was initiated to identify and address the health care needs of midlife Singaporean women. It recruited a cohort of 1,200 Chinese, Malay, and Indian women aged 45 to 69 years between 2014 and 2016 – about 70 per cent of whom were postmenopausal . Their health metrics were then tracked over time. In the first study based on this cohort, published in international journal Maturitas in October 2023, the researchers shared a ranking of menopausal symptoms – with joint and muscular discomfort found to be the most reported symptom among women in Singapore. Called arthralgia, it had moderate or severe impact on a third of the midlife women of the cohort. A subsequent study, published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism in October 2024, found that women with both weak muscle strength and high levels of visceral fat – the deep belly fat around the internal organs – had the highest risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Their risk was 2.63 times higher than that of women who had normal muscle strength and lower fat levels. Having just one of these conditions also increased risk, though to a lesser degree. The risk from having high visceral fat alone is 1.78 times higher. Among those with weak muscle strength, women with high visceral fat had a 2.84 times higher risk compared to those with low visceral fat. Explaining the impetus for the study, IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong said: 'Muscle... burns up fat. What about those who have weak muscles? Does it affect the risk for diabetes in the future?' The cohort's initial muscle and visceral fat measurements served as a baseline for researchers to track changes over the years. Researchers then analysed how changes in fat and muscle measurements taken about six years later – by then, about 90 per cent of the women were postmenopausal – related to whether women had developed diabetes. Professor Yong, who also heads the division of benign gynaecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NUH, noted that a large proportion of women in Singapore are 'skinny fat', where their body mass index is in the normal range, but they have high levels of visceral fat and low muscle mass. ' One way (to know what your risks are) is to measure your walk and the speed at which you walk. If you cannot walk fast and straight, then your health is not so good. We wanted to see if we can develop a test that can predict gait speed. We wanted to look at molecules that actually measure muscle functions,' he said. 'These findings validated our previous (IWHP) research that showed that women should not just focus on weight loss, but on building muscle strength through exercise for diabetes prevention,' Prof Yong said. One participant of the IWHP, administrative assistant Sabarina Jumarudin, is living proof of the findings. The 59-year-old grandmother used to weigh 93kg and suffered from sleep apnoea. Since she underwent the bariatric surgery at NUH in 2018, a procedure that modifies the digestive system to help people with obesity lose weight, she lost more than 30kg. Mindful of keeping her weight down, Madam Sabarina walks to the MRT station every day instead of taking the shuttle service, and takes the stairs instead of the escalator to catch the train. 'On my way home, I usually take a longer route to ensure I clock at least 10,000 steps a day, and practising stretching and breathing exercises to strengthen my core,' she said. 'I realised that small but consistent changes do make a big impact on my health, so I do what I can on a daily basis, and it gives me confidence to not only stay healthy physically and mentally but also stave off diabetes,' she added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
