Menopause challenges women leaders but boosts empathy – study

Menopause symptoms may leave women leaders feeling depleted, but they can also become more empathetic towards colleagues, new research suggests.

Researchers surveyed 341 full-time women in leadership positions who were experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Participants reported hot flushes, sleep disruption, psychological changes and cognitive difficulties, including problems with thinking or concentration.

The study, led by professor Olga Epitropaki and professor Maria Kakarika at Durham University Business School, examined how these experiences affected women in leadership roles.

Women with more severe symptoms were more likely to feel psychologically depleted, often triggering nostalgia for their premenopausal selves.

Many described managing symptoms while leading meetings, managing teams and carrying out demanding roles.

The researchers found that nostalgia could help women feel more connected to colleagues and employees, potentially increasing empathy.

However, it could also prompt reflection on perceived losses, including 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 said the findings challenge stereotypes that portray menopause solely as a negative experience and point to the need for greater workplace support.

They argued that menopause remains a taboo subject in many organisations and is often overlooked in wellbeing and leadership development discussions.

Greater openness and support could help women leaders navigate menopause while continuing to develop their careers without compromising their wellbeing, the researchers said.