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#55: Menopause at Work: Let's Talk About It Now!

Sleep problems, exhaustion, mood swings, or brain fog: Menopause can affect daily life and work. Nevertheless, many women going through menopause initially lack the knowledge to make sense of these changes—and often lack the space to talk openly about them.

​​​​​​​Inthe new episode of “Heiter bis stürmisch,” Oliver Schmidt speaks with author and activist Miriam Stein. With her book *Die gereizte Frau*, she has sparked a social debate about menopause, women’s health, and women’s knowledge. 

Miriam Stein is not a doctor—she approaches the topic from a social, political, and structural perspective: Why is women’s health still given too little consideration in research and the workplace? And what needs to change so that those affected are no longer left to fend for themselves at work?
You can read more about symptoms and how women can navigate menopause successfully in our article “Menopause: Managing Symptoms—Tips for Everyday Life.”

How can managers support female employees going through menopause?

From a structural perspective, Miriam Stein recommends three things above all: listening without making assumptions; breaking the taboo surrounding the topic, for example through open communication within the team; and creating concrete support measures—such as flexible work schedules, quiet spaces, or informational resources as part of the company’s health management program.

Through the pme Familienservice , we help employees and companies assess stressors and promote healthy work practices—for example, through psychosocial counseling and workplace health management programs.

If menopausal symptoms are affecting your daily life or work, counseling sessions can help you identify your needs, plan your next steps, and prepare for conversations in the workplace. Medical symptoms should be discussed individually with a healthcare professional.

Cheerful to stormy - the everyday podcast with Olli Schmidt

Welcome to "Heiter bis stürmisch" - the everyday podcast. Cheerful or saddened to death: life has its ups and downs. That's what we're all about: everyday crises such as arguments with your partner, parenting issues, work overload, insecurities and anxiety. We talk to experts and give you practical tips to help you deal better with crises and challenges.

You can listen to our podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Audible, etc.)! Questions, suggestions, feedback, or requests? Feel free to email us at:
podcast@familienservice.de

Miriam Stein: The Irritable Woman
Miriam Stein: The Outrageous Woman
Dr. Sheila de Liz: Woman on Fire
Dr. Katrin Schaudig: Hot Stuff – Menopause Tips on the Go
Dr. Judith Bildau: Body in Balance