Women leaders experiencing menopause may feel psychologically depleted, but they can also become more empathetic towards colleagues, according to research from Durham University Business School.
The study, led by Professor Olga Epitropaki and Professor Maria Kakarika, found that menopause can create significant challenges for women in leadership roles, while also increasing empathy towards employees.
The researchers say their findings challenge common stereotypes that frame menopause solely as a negative experience and highlight the need for greater workplace support.
The researchers surveyed 341 full-time women in leadership positions who were experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Participants reported a range of experiences, including hot flushes, sleep disruption, psychological changes and cognitive difficulties.
Women who experienced more severe symptoms were more likely to report feeling depleted, which often triggered nostalgia for their premenopausal selves with both positive and negative effects.
Many participants described dealing with symptoms while leading meetings, managing teams and carrying out demanding roles, highlighting the challenges menopause can present in the workplace.
The study found that nostalgia could help women leaders feel more connected to colleagues and employees.
However, it could also prompt reflection on perceived losses, such as energy, confidence or a sense of control, leading to greater psychological withdrawal.
Three follow-up experiments involving 450 women leaders confirmed that more severe menopausal experiences increased feelings of depletion, which in turn increased nostalgia and empathy.
The researchers argue that menopause remains a taboo subject in many organisations and is often overlooked in wellbeing and leadership development discussions.
They say greater openness and support could help women leaders navigate menopause while continuing to develop their careers without compromising their wellbeing.
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