Let's talk about something that affects pretty much all of us but rarely gets mentioned in the office: how our hormones impact our work life. Whether you're dealing with stress, going through menopause, or just trying to understand why some days feel harder than others, you're definitely not alone.
You're not imagining it.
Hormones really do affect your work.
Ever had one of those days where you just can't focus, feel unusually tired, or find yourself getting frustrated over things that normally wouldn't bother you? Your hormones might be playing a bigger role than you think.
Hormonal changes can affect everything from your memory and concentration to your energy levels and mood. High stress can pump up your cortisol levels, making you feel burned out and less productive³. Changes in other hormones can mess with the brain chemicals that help regulate your mood, leaving you feeling more anxious, sad, or irritable than usual.
What can you do about it?
1. The Menopause Reality Check
If you're in your 40s or 50s, you might be dealing with perimenopause or menopause. And if so, you're in good company.
Research shows that one-third of people say menopause symptoms negatively affect their work, but here's the problem: 72% are keeping it to themselves, and 84% feel they need more support. That's a lot of people silently struggling when they don't have to.
The good news? More and more employers are starting to recognise this and offer real support, from hormone therapy access to flexible working arrangements. Forward-thinking businesses are leading the way, offering comprehensive menopause benefits including hormone therapy access, specialist consultations, and even menopause-specific paid leave².
Hormone Hazards - What to Look Out For
You know your body better than anyone, but sometimes it helps to know that certain experiences are totally normal and manageable:
- Brain fog days where you feel like you're thinking through treacle
- Temperature sensitivity that has you reaching for a fan one minute and a sweater the next
- Energy crashes that seem to come out of nowhere
- Mood swings that feel more intense than usual
- Sleep disruptions that leave you dragging the next day
Sound familiar? You're not broken, and you're certainly not alone.
What can you do right now?
Talk to someone you trust
Whether it's your manager, HR, or a colleague, having just one person who understands what you're going through can make a huge difference. You might be surprised how supportive people can be when they know what's going on.
Research shows that many people feel there's a stigma around discussing menopause at work, with employees often hiding their symptoms, but breaking that silence can be incredibly liberating.
Know your rights
If your symptoms are really interfering with your daily work life, you may be entitled to reasonable adjustments under equality legislation. It's worth noting that if menopause symptoms significantly impact daily activities, this may constitute a disability under equality legislation.
This isn't about getting special treatment; it's about getting the support you need to do your job well.
Speak up about what would help
Your employer might not know what kind of support would make the biggest difference to you, but they should be able to point you in the right direction. Many organisations are supporting their senior teams with online training and educational webinars for managers and team leaders, but you can help by speaking up about your needs. Simple things like:
- Flexible dress codes when you're dealing with temperature swings
- Access to fans or better lighting
- Flexible break times for medical appointments
- Quiet spaces when you need to regroup
Check out your benefits
It sounds obvious, but it's always worth taking a proper look at what's available on your employer's healthcare plan.
You might find coverage for hormone replacement therapy, specialist consultations, or mental health support that specifically understands the hormone-mood connection.
Getting the healthcare support you need
Don't suffer in silence! Whether you're dealing with stress-related hormone issues, perimenopause, or full menopause, healthcare professionals can offer:
- Bespoke advice that actually fits your life and symptoms
- Treatment options, including HRT if that's right for you
- Referrals to specialists when you need extra support
- Practical lifestyle tips that can really make a difference
A win-win situation
When you take care of your hormonal health, you're not just helping yourself; you're contributing to a workplace culture where everyone feels supported to bring their best selves to work. Which makes everything better for everyone.
Supporting hormonal health isn't just the right thing to do, it makes good business sense too. Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. The Menopause Society has launched its Making Menopause Work™ initiative to guide employers, showing how mainstream this support is becoming.
- Referrals to specialists when you need extra support
- Practical lifestyle tips that can really make a difference
Your next step?
Your hormonal health matters, and it's okay to ask for support. Whether you're dealing with everyday stress hormones or navigating bigger life changes like menopause, there are people and resources available to help you thrive at work and beyond.
You deserve to feel supported, understood, and equipped with the tools you need to succeed, no matter what stage of life you're in or what your hormones are up to on any given day.
Doctor Care Anywhere
Looking for professional support with hormonal health? Doctor Care Anywhere's clinicians specialise in helping people navigate every stage of hormonal health, from stress management to menopause support. Our personalised approach means you get the care that's right for your specific situation and lifestyle.
