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Author Topic: Perimenopause and work  (Read 3934 times)

peacemakerukuk

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Perimenopause and work
« on: October 28, 2015, 07:26:10 PM »

Hi, I was wondering - how do those of you who work full-time cope with symptoms while at work?  I work 46 hours a week as a medical secretary and am finding it tough.  Whilst my GP is trying to get my HRT right I'm struggling mentally at work.  I'm ok if I'm left alone to get on with the typing I have but once I start getting phone calls, emails and people coming in wanting help I struggle.  Today a patient called me "just the secretary", ridiculously after putting the phone down I started crying and couldn't stop.  I thought this is ridiculous, I just can't cope with this, and went home sick.  I can't do this everyday obviously until I start to feel better.  What does everyone else do / have you done to cope while going through this early stage of the perimenopause?

Sue
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peri

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Re: Perimenopause and work
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2015, 08:33:13 PM »

Hi Sue

Until I got my hrt regime sorted I too struggled at work.  The solution for me was to change jobs and go part time (2 1/2 days) , although I appreciate this is not possible for everyone, it has worked and I am now coping. Hope this helps x
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Dorothy

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Re: Perimenopause and work
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2015, 08:52:53 PM »

I worked full-time for 4 years (before I realised I was peri!)and it was a total nightmare.  Now I am p/t while caring for my mother - if anything, it's more stressful & exhausting, but at least I can be more flexible now!

If at all possible, go part-time or at least see if you can adjust your hours to fit round your 'good times' - e.g. I used to start work between 7.30 and 8, I now start work at 10am as I find mornings are usually my worst times.

If this isn't possible, then try to cut down on work elsewhere. Lower your standards for cooking & housework (still eat healthy, just try to cook simple).  If anyone else in the house isn't happy with this, tell them they are welcome to take over!  ;)

Make sure you aren't overloaded with voluntary things outside work, but at the same time, be careful not to cut everything out.  At the start, I stopped anything non-essential as I was struggling so much to cope, but I've actually found I feel better if I have a treat to look forward to each week.  So I ring-fence a couple of hours to do something enjoyable & found it helps me unwind and feel a lot better about the rest of the week. 

If your boss is supportive, it might be worth asking if you can make some short-term changes to your job until things are sorted.  E.g. if you are working with someone else, can you do more of the typing & behind-the-scenes work, while they deal with phone calls and patients coming in?  I know it is not always possible to make these changes, but it is in their interests if possible as the healthier and happier you are, the better you will work!  Hope you are able to get some help. Hugs x
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peacemakerukuk

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Re: Perimenopause and work
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2015, 09:01:37 PM »

Thanks both of you, unfortunately we can't afford for me to go part-time, we need every penny.
Also I work in an office on my so don't get any help at all.  Problem is my job is my job basically and there isn't any part of it that I can't get away with not doing.  On the plus side at the moment I don't share my office with anyone so as soon as I get into work the window is opened and the fan is on until about 10.00 a.m. when the window is closed, fan is off and heater is on where I spend the rest of the day freezing cold LOL.
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robotwars

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Re: Perimenopause and work
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2015, 09:48:08 PM »

I work full time as a Manager in a children's nursery, I do struggle as you are on the go non stop............ I have found the toilets a great place to escape for a few minutes LOL!!!! and go for a quiet scream......Aaghhhhh
I'm still working on finding the correct HRT.............. I know exactly how you are feeling, I hope you feel better soon..........
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jedigirl

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Re: Perimenopause and work
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2015, 11:14:49 AM »

Have you told anyone at work?
I have had some truly horrendous days at work and only got though them because i have a very understanding colleagues and boss who has let me sit in her office when i needed to hide, cry, talk whatever. Doesn't happen too often but knowing I have a bolt hole helps.
Other than that I have sometimes taken 2mg diazepam when needed. It's tough though xxx
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peacemakerukuk

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Re: Perimenopause and work
« Reply #6 on: November 04, 2015, 04:59:55 PM »

Hi Jedigirl,
I have told my boss yes but she's not overly sympathetic unfortunately.  She's a doctor and is just able to get the hormones she needed with little more than a click of her fingers.    No sisterhood going on there unfortunately.
« Last Edit: November 06, 2015, 03:25:50 PM by peacemakerukuk »
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Errol

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Re: Perimenopause and work
« Reply #7 on: November 06, 2015, 08:46:54 AM »

Hi
I do empathise. I've also found work a struggle but luckily for me I do have a sympathetic boss.  That doesn't help when I find it difficult to do day to day tasks, let alone the more challenging stuff I'm paid for.

I think something like Mindfulness can help. And finding a friend - being alone in an office may make it bearable but I don't think it will help in the longer term.

Best of luck
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