Could Perimenopause be contributing to your burn out symptoms?
As women in the legal profession, we're accustomed to handling high-pressure situations, managing demanding caseloads, and maintaining unwavering focus. Yet, despite our best efforts, many of us battle unrelenting fatigue, fog that clouds our thinking, and an emotional rollercoaster that seems to have no end. We attribute it to the nature of our work, the long hours, and the stress. But what if there's another factor at play? One that's been quietly influencing our well-being without us even realizing it?
Enter Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It’s a term that might not frequently cross our minds when we are dealing with stressful situations or mental fog. Yet, it's a significant life stage that can begin as early as our late 30s or early 40s, often overlapping with the peak of our careers ( perfect timing!). During this time, our bodies undergo hormonal fluctuations that can manifest in ways eerily similar to burnout.
Symptoms That Mirror Burnout
Consider this: you're experiencing persistent fatigue, finding it harder to concentrate during the day, or perhaps you're more irritable with colleagues and clients. Sleep becomes an issue, and no matter how much rest you get, your energy levels plummet. These are hallmark signs of burnout, yes, but they also align closely with perimenopausal symptoms. which is why it’s so hard to miss.
While there aren’t many studies exploring the relationship between menopausal symptoms and burnout in high stress careers there was a study published in BMC Women's Health that explored the relationship in nurses, which is another field where burnout is prevalent. The findings revealed that menopausal symptoms were significantly associated with increased levels of emotional exhaustion, a core component of burnout. This suggests that the physiological changes during perimenopause may impact our emotional and physical reserves.
The Cognitive Connection
Beyond physical exhaustion, perimenopause can also introduce cognitive challenges, often referred to as "brain fog." This includes difficulties with memory, reduced processing speed, and trouble concentrating. All critical faculties for a lawyer. Research highlighted by Sage Women's Health indicates that hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to increased stress levels and reduced resilience, further exacerbating cognitive difficulties.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Emotionally, perimenopause can be a tumultuous period. Mood swings, heightened anxiety, and feelings of depression are not uncommon. These emotional shifts can strain professional relationships and diminish job satisfaction. The Law Society emphasizes that menopausal symptoms may significantly impact daily and working life, often at a time when one's career is just getting established.
Distinguishing Perimenopause from Burnout
Recognizing the distinction between perimenopause symptoms and burnout is important to effectively address health issues while maintaining professional performance.
Both perimenopause and burnout can present with similar symptoms, such as fatigue, mood swings, and cognitive difficulties, making it challenging to identify the root cause. However, certain characteristics can help differentiate the two:
Perimenopause Indicators:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Hot flashes and night sweats
Physical symptoms like joint pain and dry skin
Symptoms may occur irrespective of work-related stress
Burnout Indicators:
Emotional exhaustion linked to work
Decreased motivation and job satisfaction
Feelings of cynicism or detachment from work
Symptoms improve with rest and time away from work
Strategies for Navigating Perimenopause in the Legal Field
Open Dialogue:
Foster a workplace culture where discussions about health, including perimenopause, are met with support and understanding.
Educate colleagues and management to reduce stigma and promote empathy.
Seek Medical Guidance:
Consult with healthcare providers knowledgeable about perimenopause to explore treatment options such as hormone therapy or lifestyle modifications.
Regular medical consultations can help tailor strategies to individual needs.
Implement Self-Care Practices:
Prioritize activities that promote well-being, including regular exercise, mindfulness techniques, and adequate rest.
Engage in cardiovascular exercises to alleviate symptoms like mood swings and sleep disturbances.
Educate Yourself and Others:
Stay informed about perimenopause and share insights with colleagues to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Utilize resources such as the Menopause Workplace Resource Guide for Women to navigate this transition effectively.
Create a Supportive Work Environment:
Advocate for workplace policies that accommodate health needs, such as flexible working hours or temperature control in workspaces.
Encourage the establishment of support networks within the organization for shared experiences and advice.
By recognizing and addressing the potential impact of perimenopause on our professional lives, we empower ourselves to seek solutions that support our health and careers. Let's break the silence and ensure that as we advocate for our clients, we also advocate for our well-being.
References
Converso, D., Viotti, S., Sottimano, I., Loera, B., Molinengo, G., & Guidetti, G. (2019). The relationship between menopausal symptoms and burnout: A cross-sectional study among nurses. BMC Women's Health, 19(1), 148. https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-019-0847-6
Sage Women's Health. (n.d.). Menopause and burnout: Exploring the link between hormonal changes and stress. https://www.sagewomenshealth.com/menopause/anxiety-and-stress/menopause-and-burnout-are-linked
Law Society. (n.d.). Experiencing menopause in the legal profession. https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/Topics/Women-lawyers/Guides/Experiencing-menopause-in-the-legal-professionHome
Peppy Health. (n.d.). Menopause support within law firms: keep the conversation going. https://peppy.health/us/blogs/menopause-support-within-law-firms-keep-the-conversation-going/Peppy Health
LawCare. (n.d.). Menopause in the legal workplace. https://www.lawcare.org.uk/get-information/articles/menopause/LawCare
Law Gazette. (2024). Menopause and the legal sector: a call for awareness and action. https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/commentary-and-opinion/menopause-and-the-legal-sector-a-call-for-awareness-and-action/5121231.articleLaw Gazette
Global Legal Post. (2023). Menopause in the legal profession: how senior managers can help. https://www.globallegalpost.com/news/menopause-in-the-legal-profession-how-senior-managers-can-help-1734459108Global Legal Post
Harvard Business Review. (2024). How Companies Can Support Employees Experiencing Menopause. https://hbr.org/2024/01/how-companies-can-support-employees-experiencing-menopauseHarvard Business Review
Forbes. (2024). Menopause Impact On Women’s Workplace Well-Being And Career Trajectory. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalinabryant/2024/05/03/menopause-impact-on-womens-workplace-well-being-and-career-trajectory/Forbes
