Tusla’s Health, Wellbeing and EAP Service Menopause
What is menopause?
The menopause is a transition stage in the lives of approximately 50% of the population.
It refers to the point in time when menstruation has ceased for twelve consecutive months.
The average age to reach the menopause is 50 but it can happen much earlier (premature menopause). For some, menopause may not happen naturally but may be medically or surgically induced. Perimenopause is the period of hormonal change leading up to menopause. During this time individuals can often experience symptoms which may vary in severity.
Symptoms
Physical symptoms associated with the onset of perimenopause and menopause include:
• Hot flushes, night sweats.
• Insomnia and sleep disturbance.
• Fatigue.
• Headaches including migraines.
• Joint aches.
• Dry skin and skin irritation.
• Dry eyes.
• Hair loss.
• Urinary problems.
• Heavy and painful periods.
• Palpitations.
• Fat distribution changes.
Associated psychological symptoms may also be experienced:
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Panic attacks.
• Poor concentration.
• Changes in mood.
• Loss of confidence.
• Problems with memory (WHO).
Employees may experience none, some, or many of these symptoms over the course of several years.
Support available
Tusla recognises that many employees will be working through, and beyond menopause, therefore Tusla is committed to supporting employees experiencing menopause.
We recognise that menopause is a very individual experience and therefore different types of support and adjustment may be needed. We are committed to ensuring that managers are sympathetic and provide appropriate support when needed to assist with issues arising in the workplace.
Employees experiencing menopause are encouraged to let their Line Manager know if they are struggling with symptoms that may impact on their work, so that appropriate support is provided. All information provided will be treated confidentially and in accordance with Tusla data protection policy.
Self-help measures
Current health promotion advice emphasises the importance of lifestyle choices before, during and after menopause including:
• Consulting with your GP about menopause to ensure that any symptoms are not due to other causes.
• Exercising regularly can not only help your mental health but can also assist with reducing hot flushes and improving sleep, it also helps with bone density and cardiovascular health.
• Cessation of smoking.
• Healthy and regular eating - research has shown that a balanced diet can help alleviate some symptoms and help maintain bone and cardiovascular health. This also assists with balancing blood sugar levels.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Wearing natural fibres.
• Getting adequate rest and relaxation.
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Self-care
Regular self-care maintenance is essential during perimenopause and menopause.
Self-care is anything that brings you a sense of calm and relaxation or adds value to your life, it helps you to manage and cope with difficult times and emotions when they arise.
Suggestions to support your health and wellbeing as a professional going through menopause:
• Develop healthy habits e.g. exercise, healthy eating.
• Maintain routines.
• Create clear boundaries - home and work.
• Manage your stress – take time out!
• Ask for and accept advice.
Access EAP
Menopause can affect us in many ways physically, socially and psychologically; sometimes with anxiety or depression, so it’s important to talk to your GP or mental health professional. Tusla EAP service is also there to support you.
Take that first step in getting the support you need. A staff member can self-refer to EAP by contacting the service directly.
It is in your interest to avail of the support of the EAP Services as it provides you with an opportunity to discuss matters confidentially.
Normal professional standards apply in relation to confidentiality.
Let’s work together, to help each other.
How Tusla can help
The Health, Wellbeing and EAP Service is a national service which offers support to all Tusla employees free of charge.
There is a range of free and confidential staff supports including EAP counselling (3rd party provider), a suite of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) services, and a range of Health and Wellbeing supports. It also serves as a consultancy to managers on staff wellbeing issues.
For more help or advice please contact:
Tusla Health Wellbeing and EAP Service: 086 1438390
EAP Counselling Service: 1800 817435
Email: EAP@Tusla.ie
Web: www.tusla.ie/health-wellbeing-and-eap/
Our mission statement
Health Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes will provide the necessary systems and processes to enable and support all staff to reach and maintain their full potential in the workplace and thus deliver high quality services.
www.tusla.ie