---
title: "Menopause and work"
description: "Practical ways to ask for changes at work, talk about symptoms, and understand the main UK and US protections. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes."
url: "https://myruva.co/learn/menopause-and-work"
language: "en-GB"
topic: "Menopause"
published: "2026-10-18"
updated: "2026-10-19"
author: "Ruva team"
reading_minutes: 4
---

# Menopause and work

Practical ways to ask for changes at work, talk about symptoms, and understand the main UK and US protections. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.

*Written and reviewed by the Ruva team · Updated 2026-10-19 · Menopause*

## Key points

- Menopause symptoms can affect sleep, concentration and comfort at work.
- Changes to temperature, uniforms, toilet access or how you work may help.
- In Great Britain, menopause symptoms can sometimes count as a disability in law. Employers must then make reasonable adjustments.
- US disability protections are judged case by case. Menopause doesn’t automatically give you a right to every change you ask for.

If menopause symptoms make a hot room or a rigid uniform hard to bear, you can ask about changes at work. Easier access to a toilet is another practical thing to ask for. Government guidance asks employers to think about these working conditions when they look at support. Describe the part of the day that’s hard and the change you’d like to try.

## Describe what the working day is like

Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can affect work, though some people have few symptoms. Hot flushes and night sweats can make you uncomfortable, and sleep problems can leave you tired. Changes in memory and concentration may feel worse after a bad night.

For the conversation, pick a real example. “I’m struggling to concentrate after nights when I’ve barely slept” is a different starting point from “I’m not coping”. You could describe how a uniform feels during a hot flush, or why you need easier access to a toilet. Use whatever example fits your working day.

If it helps you get your thoughts in order, keep a short private note. Write down the problem, the task it affected and the change you want to talk about. Only share the details you’re comfortable with, and ask what other information they need. Start with what’s affecting your work.

## Ask for a change tied to the problem

UK government guidance for workplaces covers temperature and fresh air, drinking water, places to rest, suitable uniforms and access to toilets. It also asks employers to think about supportive furniture and how they handle requests for flexible working. Which changes you talk about will depend on your job.

| If this is the difficulty | A request to discuss |
| --- | --- |
| Heat at the workstation | Better ventilation or temperature control |
| A uniform that feels too hot | A different material or fit |
| Toilets are hard to reach | Easier access during the working day |
| Nowhere suitable to rest | Access to a rest space |
| Working hours are difficult to manage | A conversation about flexible working |

Ask for a private meeting with your manager or HR team. If you’d like support, you could ask a staff representative or a colleague you trust to help you prepare. You could start with: “I’d like to talk about a health issue that’s affecting this part of my work, and a change that could help.”

Before the meeting ends, ask who will put any agreed change in place and when you’ll review it. You could follow up in writing: “We agreed to try this arrangement, then talk about how it’s working.” Keep the wording clear enough that everyone knows what was agreed.

## What the UK protections mean

In Great Britain, the Equality Act 2010 protects workers from discrimination linked to protected characteristics. These include disability, age and sex. The EHRC says menopause symptoms may count as a disability if they have a substantial and long-term effect on everyday activities. If they do, employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments.

The EHRC also explains that protections against age and sex discrimination may apply. The legal position depends on your situation. Having menopause symptoms doesn’t on its own decide a claim. Northern Ireland has separate guidance, so get advice for where you work.

## The US uses a different legal framework

EEOC guidance describes protections against sex and disability discrimination, and age discrimination for people 40 or older. Under this guidance, covered employers must make reasonable changes for a worker with a disability, unless that would cause significant difficulty or expense. A change at work can include changing how a job is usually done.

These are general protections. They don’t mean every menopause symptom counts as a disability, or that every request must be agreed. Ask HR, a worker representative or an employment adviser how the rules apply to you. Explain how menopause affects your work and what change you need.

## When you need health support as well

Book a GP appointment in the UK, or see your doctor in the US or elsewhere, if symptoms are affecting your work or you want to talk about treatment. WHO recommends talking to a health professional about symptoms that affect your health and wellbeing. They should take your medical history and what you prefer into account.

You can take the same practical examples to the appointment. Tell the clinician what happens during the day and at night, what you’ve already tried and what you most want help with. Ask what follow-up would help, and what information you could share with your workplace if you choose to.

## When to get help

- **Book an appointment:** Book a GP appointment (UK) or see your doctor (US or elsewhere) if symptoms are affecting your work or you want to talk about treatment options.

## Where you live

Services and advice differ between countries.

- **UK:** The EHRC explains your protections under the Equality Act 2010 in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has separate guidance, so get advice for where you work.
- **US:** The EEOC describes protections against sex and disability discrimination, and age discrimination for people 40 or older. Covered employers must make reasonable changes for disability unless this would cause significant difficulty or expense.
- **Elsewhere:** WHO recognises that menopause can affect physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing. Ask local services about health support and your rights at work.

## Sources

1. [Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/symptoms/), NHS
2. [Conduct a menopause risk assessment for your workplace](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/conduct-a-menopause-risk-assessment-for-your-workplace/conduct-a-menopause-risk-assessment-for-your-workplace), Office for Equality and Opportunity / GOV.UK
3. [Menopause in the workplace: guidance for employers](https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/menopause-workplace-guidance-employers), Equality and Human Rights Commission
4. [Equality Act 2010: guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance), GOV.UK
5. [Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices](https://www.eeoc.gov/prohibited-employment-policiespractices), US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
6. [Menopause](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause), World Health Organization

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This guide is general information to help you keep and use your own records. It isn’t medical advice. If you’re worried about a symptom, or something changes suddenly, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.