The Impact of Menopause on Entrepreneurial Women

Menopause often feels like balancing an already demanding workload. Yet, as a business owner, managing the unpredictability of changes and symptoms can be even more challenging. Entrepreneurship requires a high level of focus and productivity, but menopause makes this difficult to maintain.

Studies show that 13.4% of women have experienced one or more adverse work outcomes due to menopause symptoms. Moreover, 10.8% reported missing a median of three work days as a direct result.

As a woman entrepreneur, you may feel constant pressure to drive your business forward. Yet, the many disruptions that menopause can cause can make navigating entrepreneurship even more difficult.

A few missed days can create a backlog of tasks, delay important projects, and amplify stress levels. Business owners may find it more difficult to step away. However, working for longer periods is shown to lead to more stress, which increases the risk of burnout and exasperates menopausal symptoms further. It can be a vicious cycle for women for those who avoid taking steps to prepare.

The Challenges of Menopause for Women Entrepreneurs

Women going through menopause experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including:

● Hot flashes

● Night sweats

● Fatigue

● Sleep disturbances

● Mood swings

● Brain fog

● Intensified emotions

● Increased anxiety

● Memory problems

● Concentration issues

Women can experience some or all of these symptoms. They can impair your decision-making, reduce creativity, and make it harder to maintain the stamina needed to lead a business. This lack of energy decreases your ability to focus, negatively affecting productivity.

Additionally, it is more challenging to maintain composure in high-pressure situations in a business environment. You may often experience more pressure when running a business because menopause magnifies your emotions, increasing mood swings.

These symptoms exacerbate the challenges of maintaining business success. However, women entrepreneurs have a unique mindset. They are more driven, self-reliant and accustomed to pushing through obstacles. With these qualities in mind, you can make menopause more manageable and maintain resiliency to drive long-term success.

Strategies for Managing Menopause While Maintaining Business Success and Personal Well-Being

Managing menopause as an entrepreneur can be overwhelming — but with the right strategies — it is possible to manage your business and well-being effectively.

1. Adapt Leadership Styles
Menopause may require you to adjust how you lead and manage your business. When your energy levels and focus fluctuate, you may need to adapt your leadership style correspondingly,

Consider shifting from a hands-on approach to one that prioritizes trust in your team’s abilities. This can alleviate the pressure on yourself and empower your team to take more initiative. Additionally, creating a more flexible schedule for yourself will help you manage your business on days when you feel your best.

2. Seek Mental Health Support
You may struggle with anxiety, stress and hopelessness as you navigate this transition in your life. In fact, one in three women report feeling hopeless about menopause, and this feeling is even more prevalent in women under 50. Those aged 40-49 are 50% more likely to experience these feelings.

Therapy, coaching and support groups can provide the tools to cope with these emotional challenges. It can also help you feel less isolated and allow you to continue leading your business with confidence and clarity.

3. Prioritize Self-Care
It is common for entrepreneurs to prioritize their to-do list over self-care, but it is crucial to make time for this. Regular exercise, a nutrient-rich diet and proper sleep hygiene help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Additionally, setting time aside to practice mindfulness and relaxation will reduce stress, helping you maintain focus and energy.

4. Reframe Menopause as a New Chapter
Consider viewing this challenging time as an opportunity for growth and transformation. A positive attitude toward menopause leads to better quality of life, as it helps women manage their symptoms more effectively.

This change in perspective can also elevate emotional intelligence, a key trait for entrepreneurial success. People with higher emotional intelligence tend to earn $29,000 more than those with lower emotional quotients. By looking at menopause positively, you can utilize your wisdom and experience to drive personal growth and business innovation.

Embracing Resilience and Empowerment Through Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of life, but you can still succeed as an entrepreneur. By adopting different approaches and seeking the right treatment through your healthcare provider, you can navigate this transition with resilience.

For further insights, consider attending She Leads Live 2024. This event will host a panel on Women & Wellness, including experts’ discussions on menopause. Get your tickets now to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and gain actionable strategies on managing your health and success.