Here’s the truth: PMS and (peri-)menopause aren’t “bad moods” or “excuses”, they’re natural biological realities that can majorly influence how women feel, function and perform at work. And yet? These conversations are still largely missing from office culture.
The result: women left to silently power through brain fog, fatigue, or emotional swings while also carrying the weight of deadlines, meetings, and team dynamics.
It’s time to flip the script.
Because when we start talking about women’s health in the workplace – openly, constructively, and without shame – we’re not oversharing. We’re creating culture shifts. We’re building inclusivity. We’re making space for women to thrive.
How to Start the Conversation (Without Making It Awkward)
Reframe it in your mind
Our hormones are not weaknesses. They’re not “TMI.” Positioning them as workplace realities is about collaboration, not confession.
Pick your moment
Privacy and focus matter. Choose a calm, neutral setting – not mid-chaos or between back-to-back calls.
Give context
Open with: “I want to share something that sometimes impacts how I feel at work, so we can continue to collaborate effectively.” By tying it back to productivity, you keep the discussion professional and human.
Keep it clear, not clinical
No need to deep-dive into symptoms. A simple line works: “I’m in perimenopause, which can sometimes cause fatigue or brain fog. It doesn’t define my work, but on certain days, it helps if I can adjust how I tackle tasks.”
Offer solutions
Men appreciate actionable insights (and honestly, who doesn’t?). Example: “On lower-energy days, a short break or shifting tasks can help me stay productive.”
Use analogies
Comparing it to a bad night’s sleep helps colleagues relate without needing lived experience.
Acknowledge the taboo
You can diffuse tension with: “I know this might not be a usual workplace conversation, but it’s important for how we support each other.”
Set boundaries
If curiosity crosses the line, redirect: “That’s a bit personal, but what matters most is how we collaborate effectively.”
Close with gratitude
Ending with “Thanks for being open to this. I appreciate it and it helps us work even better together” reinforces inclusivity and normalizes the topic.
The Bigger Picture
Yes, bringing up PMS, (peri-)menopause or hormones in general, at work may feel daunting. But every time you do, you’re dismantling stigma, making space for empathy and shaping workplaces where women can bring their whole selves to the table.
This isn’t just about you (though you matter).
It’s about every woman who comes after you, who deserves to feel supported, understood and not feel invisible in the spaces she works.
Bottom line: Talking hormones at work isn’t a liability, it’s leadership.
It’s advocacy. It’s culture change. And it starts with one brave conversation.
Now we want to hear from you:
Would you feel comfortable opening up about PMS or perimenopause with your colleagues? What’s your biggest hesitation?
Your voice matters. Your experience matters. And by sharing, you’re helping create the workplace we all deserve.
LHW x
