Hi. I’m a perimenopausal social worker and a team manager and I manage 5 other perimenopausal social workers. I see it from both sides. Like the OP, I worry day whether I’m up to the job itself - I can’t remember things, seem to have constant anxiety, palpatations, lightheadedness, insomnia, etc etc etc, all of which cause me to question myself and my job as they do the other ladies in my team. And that’s with HRT! They also question whether they are good enough for the job. We have a difficult job without going through the bloody menopause ffs as do a lot of other women these days. It’s not like in my granny’s day any more!
Reasonable adjustments are very important and if your manager is not clued up, then ensure you speak with HR. We work for a local authority who has a good understanding and menopause support networks for us to use but I imagine that not everyone working in the private sector has these. But equally as important as the support from an employer, is what we can do to help ourselves also
HRT doesn’t cure anything-it just keeps some symptoms at bay but if you’ve noticed some changes or certain symptoms have flared up again then it might be time to review your HRT with your GP. There may be other meds that can help alongside your HRT. Citalopram has been a Godsend for me, alongside my HRT to help with anxiety. Mediation or finding other women to talk to via support groups might also help if you find the medication isn’t enough on its own.
If you’re under a performance review before a discussion of reasonable adjustments has been made then I would defo speak to HR and if you’re in a union, consult with them also. And again, see your doctor.
Will you post again with updates? Would I love to know how you get on.
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