Women and those born with female anatomy go through a life cycle where hormonal changes, bodily changes, child-rearing, and gynaecological issues impact their psychological well-being, and ability to function optimally in their day-to-day life and in workspaces. By virtue of being born with female anatomy and physiology, women experience specific issues that can impair their lives; men do not experience these as they have different anatomy.

Navigating the phases of womanhood: Physical and psychological impacts

Puberty and menstruation

When a girl reaches puberty, she becomes a woman. She starts producing estrogen and progesterone hormones, which corresponds with other changes to her physiological body. Puberty also spells the onset of monthly periods where the woman starts menstruating in monthly cycles. Every woman experiences menstruation differently; some have severe period pain, heavy periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and physical discomfort.

Menopause

On the other end of the fertility cycle, menopause spells the depletion of estrogen and progesterone, and the end of the ability to procreate. With it comes a cluster of both physical and psychological health challenges which impact women’s everyday functioning, and psychological health.

The fertility window

In between the onset of puberty and menopause, women are in their fertility window, where they have monthly periods and can get pregnant and procreate, and also experience debilitating gynaecological issues. This in-between stage is the stage at which women are concurrently engaged in studying, progressing in their careers, child-rearing, or doing a combination of any of these things. All these female-specific experiences impact not only on their physical but also mental health, as well as their ability to always function optimally in workspaces.

Women's health issues in high-pressure work environments

While every woman must deal with and cope with the consequences of the gynaecology-related issues, women in corporate and highly demanding environments who are expected to perform highly at all times, experience additional stress and anxiety which can further diminish their mental well-being. They are expected to perform at the same level as men, who do not share the same experiences as them.

There is a myth and misconception that men are better leaders, which is not true. Many women’s performance and career progression are hampered by issues related to female-specific issues, which do not affect men. In my experience as a therapist, l have seen the harm the lack of awareness and support causes to these women. It’s imperative that we explore how these female-specific issues can impact on mental well-being, and how women can be best supported in work environments.

1. Menstruation

Many working-age women are in the fertile stage of their lives, and they have monthly period cycles. For some women, periods can be very painful and traumatic; they may end up seeking medical support. Bloating, period pain, PMS which causes mood swings and irritability, and flooding can all become very challenging to deal with while working parallel. These are not just physical manifestations, but they have a psychological impact. Being expected to perform optimally when you are going through heavy and painful periods is incredibly challenging for some women. The need to perform while under duress can be detrimental to these women’s mental well-being.

2. Pregnancy and childbirth

Working-age women are also in the child-rearing stages. This means there is potential for pregnancy, at times fertility treatments, childbirth, and managing childcare. The trajectory of career progression for women is very different to men, as men do not have to carry pregnancies and give birth. Only recently men can take paternity leave; traditionally it was the mother, the woman who was expected to take maternity leave and pause their careers. These are some of the reasons why some women delay having children, which can be a negative considering the fertility window narrows down as women get older.

Many women do get pregnant and continue working while pregnant, and they are still expected to perform optimally during pregnancy. Stress and pressure can negatively impact both mother and unborn child. Pregnancy is a very vulnerable time for women, which also means dealing with pregnancy symptoms, and adjustment to the new impending mothering role. Some women have complicated pregnancies that require close monitoring. Pregnancy is, therefore, a women-specific issue which impacts on their performance at work, career trajectory and mental well-being.

3. Menopause

Menopause is an incredibly challenging time for many women, as it comes with a range of physical and psychological symptoms, which translates into poor mental health. Many women who are perimenopausal or menopausal experience hormonal changes which leads to increased stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings, acopia, insomnia, weight loss or weight gain, fatigue and a feeling of loss. Working-age women who are going through menopause can find this period particularly challenging emotionally. Their ability to perform can be hindered, and their mental health deteriorates as well.

3. Chronic gynaecological conditions

Many working-age women live with chronic gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts and ovarian cancers. These can be impairing as these conditions present with both physical and psychological symptoms. Many gynaecological conditions manifest in pain, discomfort, excessive bleeding during periods, bloating, anxiety, low mood, fatigue, nausea, facial hair growth, and weight gain. They require active ongoing treatment which has its own host of side effects. Unlike men, all these female-specific health issues shape their ability to function optimally and their mental health.

Tips to improve mental health in women

Self-advocacy and prioritising well-being

Women should feel empowered to seek help and adjustments to their work if they are struggling with female-specific issues. Women should prioritise their well-being and advocate for themselves if they are struggling with female-specific issues that do not affect men.

Supportive work communities

Women in high-pressured environments could create supportive communities where they can share their experiences and heal collectively.

Seeking psychological support

If anyone in these workspaces is struggling, and you are not getting the right support, seek psychological support through therapy. Delaying getting support will only make things worse.

Male colleague education and empathy

Male colleagues and peers should have more education around female-specific health issues and how they translate into their ability to function and their mental well-being as a whole. Male colleagues should have more empathy and support towards women and take their concerns seriously when they are struggling.

Corporate initiatives

Corporate companies could give more incentives to women to enable them to manage their female-related issues, without feeling pressured to perform highly at all times. Allowing women to have more breaks and a more supportive stance goes a long way.