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Workplace support helps women manage cognitive changes and mental health impacts during menopauseWorkplace Support Helps Women Manage Menopause Related Brain Fog

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Key Takeaway
Recognize that workplace support can help menopausal women manage cognitive changes and associated mental health impacts.

This guideline is based on a qualitative, exploratory study of 50 women aged 43 to 67 years. The scope of the study was to explore the experiences of cognitive changes at work during menopause, including impacts on mental health, sense of self, and workplace wellbeing.

The findings indicate that a majority of participants experienced brain fog and memory problems. These cognitive changes were associated with a negative impact on mental health, specifically leading to a loss of confidence, increased anxiety, and a change in sense of self. However, the results also suggest that women who received workplace support were able to break the spiral of resource loss and better cope with these detrimental effects.

Because the study is a qualitative exploration rather than a clinical trial, the results are based on subjective experiences. The evidence is not intended to establish causality between cognitive changes and mental health. Clinical application should consider the need for workplace interventions to support wellbeing as the proportion of menopausal women in paid employment increases.

How this fits prior evidence

This guideline addresses a gap in understanding the specific impact of menopause on professional life. While prior evidence suggests that exercise can improve symptoms and quality of life in menopausal women, this finding highlights the specific role of workplace support in managing cognitive changes like brain fog and memory problems. It complements existing knowledge by focusing on the intersection of menopause and workplace wellbeing.

A small, exploratory study looked at how women aged 43 to 67 experience cognitive changes while at work during menopause. The researchers spoke with 50 women to understand their personal experiences. The study found that many of these women reported experiencing brain fog and problems with their memory.

These cognitive changes were linked to negative impacts on mental health. Some women reported a loss of confidence, increased anxiety, and a change in their sense of self at work. These findings highlight how physical symptoms can affect a person's feelings and professional life.

However, the study also found that workplace support made a difference. Women who received support from their employers were better able to cope with these challenges. Because this was a small qualitative study based on personal experiences, the results are not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to a doctor or a specialist to discuss how these symptoms may affect you personally.

What this means for you:
Workplace support can help women manage the impact of brain fog and memory issues during menopause.

Common questions

What kind of cognitive issues do women report during menopause?

The majority of women in the study reported experiencing brain fog and memory problems. These issues were linked to a loss of confidence and increased anxiety in the workplace. Because this was a qualitative study of 50 women, these results reflect personal experiences rather than a clinical trial.

Can workplace support help with menopause symptoms?

Yes, the study found that women who received support at their workplace were better able to cope with the negative effects of cognitive changes. This support helped them break the spiral of resource loss and manage the impact on their mental health and sense of self.

Who is affected by these cognitive changes at work?

The study specifically looked at women between the ages of 43 and 67. These women reported that cognitive changes during menopause could negatively impact their mental health and their sense of self while they were in paid employment.

Study Details

Study typeGuideline
EvidenceLevel 5
PublishedOct 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Cognitive changes are widely experienced during the menopause transition and, when severe, can disrupt women's working lives and negatively impact their mental health. While prior research has documented the detrimental effect of menopausal symptoms on women's quality of life, there remains a paucity of empirical evidence specifically exploring the intersection between cognitive changes and identity reconstruction within occupational settings. The objective of this study was to understand women's experiences of cognitive changes at work during menopause, including how they navigate these difficulties. This qualitative, exploratory study, involved in-depth interviews with 50 women aged 43–67 years (mean 52.3) recruited for the MARIE-UK (WP2a) project. Data were analysed using collaborative reflexive thematic analysis, through the lens of Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. Data trustworthiness was ensured through investigator consensus. The majority of participants experienced cognitive changes at menopause, such as brain fog and memory problems, which negatively impacted their mental health at work. Participants experienced loss of confidence in their abilities, an increase in anxiety, and a change in their sense of self. Due to the depletion of valuable resources (resources are anything an individual values), they struggled to regain a semblance of normality. Those who received workplace support managed to break the spiral of resource loss and better cope with the detrimental effects of the symptoms. Understanding women's experiences of cognitive changes and mental health in the workplace through the COR theory has shown that menopause is a demand that can significantly deplete women's valuable resources to perform their work duties. Menopausal cognitive changes profoundly disrupted their sense of self and perceived ability to work effectively. The intersection of cognitive and psychological symptoms with workplace stressors exacerbated mental health burdens and perpetuated gender inequalities. Interventions to support workplace wellbeing are required, particularly as the proportion of menopausal women in paid employment increases.
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