Welcome to another Menopause Mondays®, where we navigate the twists and turns of that oh-so-joyful journey called menopause! Today, we’re diving into some spicy new research that sheds light on how our dear old friend, menopause, might be trying to give some of us an early exit from the workforce.

So, picture this: you’re cruising along in your career, minding your own business, when suddenly menopause comes knocking at your door. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings—oh, the joy! But wait, there’s more! According to a new study, those delightful symptoms might not just be wreaking havoc on your sleep schedule and sanity; they could also be messing with your ability to keep up with the nine-to-five grind.

Researchers have found that women who enter menopause early—before the age of 45—are more likely to experience a decline in their workability and end up bidding farewell to the workforce sooner than their counterparts who dodge the menopause bullet for a little while longer. Talk about adding insult to hot-flash-induced injury!

This study, which involved nearly 2,700 Finnish women (yes, even Finnish ladies can’t escape the clutches of menopause), revealed that an early menopause transition can throw a serious wrench into your career plans. It’s like your ovaries decided to pull a prank on you, leaving you to deal with the fallout while trying to keep up with your deadlines. Thanks, ovaries.

Now, before you start drafting your retirement letter and booking that one-way ticket to a tropical island to escape it all, take heart! There’s hope yet. The researchers suggest that healthcare professionals should step up their game in treating menopause symptoms, ensuring that we can continue to be the bosses (literally and figuratively) that we were meant to be. And hey, employers, how about cutting us some slack and making those workplace conditions a tad more menopause-friendly? Flexible schedules, anyone?

So, ladies, let’s band together and show menopause who’s boss!  Get the menopause treatment you need to conquer those symptoms. We might be battling hot flashes and mood swings, but we’re not going down without a fight. After all, menopause might be a bumpy ride, but it’s not the end of the road. We’ve still got plenty of career left in us, hot flashes and all!

My Motto: Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN!

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*EllenDolgen.com does not recommend, endorse, or make any representation about any tests, studies, practices, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, healthcare providers, physicians, or medical institutions that may be mentioned or referenced.