Supporting staff experiencing perimenopause and menopause: A guide for all school leaders

This blog and guide by menopause expert and former biology teacher, Helen Clare, aims to help your school retain valuable team members and ensure they are well supported as they experience perimenopause and menopause.

Guides

A delve into the Department for Education statistics suggests that approximately 1 in 6 of the teaching workforce is likely to be experiencing perimenopause or menopause right now.

And the Fawcett Society report that ‘one in ten women have left work because of peri-menopause or menopause symptoms, and 44% of women found that their ability to do their jobs was affected.¹

So to retain education staff and ensure they are well enough to do their jobs effectively, your school should look to prioritise supporting staff experiencing peri/menopause.

Menopause and peri-menopause: what’s the difference?

Menopause is the point at which our periods stop and we become post-menopausal. Peri-menopause is the phase leading up to that – sometimes for a decade or more – where our hormones are fluctuating dramatically, that’s often the most challenging time. However symptoms can take a while to settle after menopause and some of us can continue to experience them for years – and post-menopausal bodies and brains can require their own careful management.

Although there is a medical distinction between peri-menopause and menopause not always reflected in our experience so I’m going to use the term peri/menopause to cover any state where someone is experiencing the symptoms of peri-menopause or menopause.

Remember, menopause will not affect everyone in your school in the same way!

Sadly, peri/menopause is not fair or equal. We know for example that those with two or more adverse childhood experiences tend to experience a more difficult menopausal transition. We know that black women can have an earlier and more difficult peri/menopause.

We know that our peri/menopausal experience can be affected by our culture, our class, our sexuality and our relationships – including that with our doctor! There is also some research that may show those who do not have children – through infertility or by choice - could potentially experience menopausal symptoms differently².

There are additional challenges for those who have pre-existing health problems or are neuro-diverse. Put simply, those who are already having the toughest time, will probably have the toughest time through peri/menopause. It really isn’t fair!

In addition some people will have an early or sometimes extremely premature menopause and the sudden onset of menopause triggered by surgery or medical treatments can be particularly challenging to manage.

And, peri/menopause isn’t just about female colleagues; staff of diverse gender expressions and identities experience menopause. It is also important to know that religion, economics and many other factors can also impact a colleague’s personal experience of peri/menopause³.

Building stigma-free school cultures around menopause and peri-menopause

Creating an open and comfortable workplace culture for discussing peri/menopause is essential. This means ensuring all staff know how to handle such conversations, and school leaders are approachable for sensitive discussions.

Additionally, evaluating school facilities and schedules to identify potential challenges is crucial. Conducting a menopause audit can help anticipate and address any issues. Establishing a clear menopause policy within your wellbeing framework provides guidance on who to contact and what accommodations are possible i.e. providing fans or flexible time off for medical appointments. Engaging in these conversations, despite potential discomfort, is essential to support staff during their menopause journey.

For further expert-advice for school leaders and managers about how to make conversations about menopause and peri-menopause easier, download our essential guide for school leaders below.

About the author

Helen Clare is a menopause educator and mentor, and ex-biology teacher, and "lifelong biology geek".

She has a BSc Hons (Biology) PGCE and an MA Creative Writing. Helen is International Coaching Federation trained and an associate of the British Menopause Society.

She has 12 years’ experience in Educational Strategy with Arts Council England and Creative Partnerships. Helen has enjoyed running ‘Menopause in Schools’ for 3 years

Sources