18 October 2023

Leading up to World Menopause Awareness Day, the Occupational Health Team here at Genesis have been busy providing in-house training sessions for our employees and delivering informative toolbox talks to many of our clients. In this latest blog post, the team encapsulate the significance of World Menopause Day, an annual event observed on October 18th, aimed at increasing awareness, dispelling stigmas, and spotlighting the available support systems for enhancing the health and well-being of individuals navigating the menopausal journey.

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. While it signifies the cessation of menstruation, it also brings physical and hormonal changes. One crucial aspect often overshadowed during this phase is the impact of menopause on cardiovascular health. As we observe Menopause Awareness Day today, it’s essential to shed light on the intersection of menopause and cardiovascular health and the measures women can take to maintain a healthy heart throughout this transformative journey.

Furthermore, it’s important to recognise that menopause is not solely a matter of gender or age; it’s an organisational issue that can directly or indirectly affect colleagues. Awareness surrounding this topic is crucial for reducing the stigma associated with menopause and fostering open conversations about it.”

Understanding Menopause

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs, and the levels of oestrogen and progesterone, two vital female hormones, decline significantly. This hormonal shift results in various physical and emotional symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in bone density. However, it also has significant implications for the cardiovascular system.

The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Health

Hormonal Changes: Oestrogen, a vital hormone in regulating the menstrual cycle, has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. It helps maintain healthy blood vessel function, reduces inflammation, and promotes good cholesterol levels. As oestrogen levels drop during menopause, these protective effects diminish, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Increased Risk Factors: Menopause often coincides with increased risk factors for heart disease, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and unfavourable changes in cholesterol levels. Combining these increased risks with hormonal changes creates a perfect storm for cardiovascular issues.

Vascular Changes: Menopause can lead to changes in the structure and function of blood vessels, making them less elastic and more prone to plaque buildup. Such changes can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become narrow and hardened, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Metabolic Changes: Menopause is associated with an increased tendency to develop insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Acting for Cardiovascular Health

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Women going through menopause can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and avoiding smoking.

Hormone Therapy: Some women may consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate menopausal symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease. However, HRT may not be suitable for everyone and should be discussed with a healthcare provider to assess the individual’s risk and benefits.

Regular Check-ups: Women should prioritise regular health check-ups, including blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring. Early detection of risk factors allows for timely intervention and management.

Education and Awareness: On Menopause Awareness Day and beyond, it is crucial to spread awareness about the relationship between menopause and cardiovascular health. Knowledge empowers women to take control of their heart health.

How Occupational Health Can Support Menopause in the Workplace

Occupational health can help provide valuable support to help employees manage menopause. Here are some of the services that we can offer here at Genesis:

Education and Awareness: Conduct workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about menopause and its potential impact on employees. These sessions can educate employees and managers on the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause. [Course information Sheets available on request. Please email info@genesisohs.co.uk]

Individual Health Assessments: Face-to-face, telephone or video assessments for employees experiencing menopausal symptoms. These assessments can help identify specific needs and accommodations required. Recommendations provided can guide managing common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, as well as facilitating the transition back to work and implementing flexible work arrangements.

Ergonomics and Workplace Design: Ensure that workstations and environments are designed for the comfort and well-being of employees, considering the specific needs of those experiencing menopause.

Mental Health Support: Self-referral and manager referrals for counselling can be initiated through the Genesis OHS portal to provide mental health support and referrals to employees facing emotional and psychological challenges during menopause.

Stress Management: Stress management training and strategies to assist employees and managers in mitigating stress linked to menopausal symptoms as part of their Mental Health and well-being Awareness and Mental Health Self-Care courses. [Course information Sheets available on request. Please email info@genesisohs.co.uk]

Access to Healthcare: Genesis referrals can provide employees access to in-house physiotherapy and holistic approaches, including massage therapy and reflexology.

Health Promotion Days: Health promotion campaigns that encourage healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, to alleviate menopausal symptoms can be conducted onsite or here at Genesis Training Centre, 5 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries, DG1 2AT.

As we conclude, it is imperative to remember that menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, necessitates a profound understanding of its implications for cardiovascular health. By acknowledging and addressing the hormonal, metabolic, and vascular changes that accompany menopause, women are equipped to manage their heart disease risk proactively. With knowledge as their ally and healthy lifestyle choices as their weapon, women can confidently embrace the menopausal journey, securing a future of enduring heart health and vitality. Furthermore, through our various services, from education and individual health assessments to ergonomic support and mental health resources, Genesis OHS is dedicated to fostering a workplace environment where everyone can thrive during this significant life transition.