Should Women Tell Coworkers if They're Menopausal?

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I work in healthcare (local public health department) with mostly women. Menopause plus every other personal health problem gets openly discussed ad nauseam. Doing so implies a nonjudgemental earthiness, but can easily become self indulgant and a distraction from work.

Wendy of WI 8:01AM August 12, 2008

Keep it to yourself. Don't make your problems the problems of others. I don't want to hear about you and I don't expect you to listen to my whining. When you're at work, do work.

Alexandra of NY 7:09AM August 12, 2008

No No No... TMI. Why oh Why do we in America feel the need to tell everyone our personal business? Discretion People!

Lily of CO 10:11PM August 11, 2008

I worked with a woman one time who made mistake after mistake after mistake. She blamed her poor work performance, frequent errors, inability to meet deadlines, and excessive sick time on going through menopause.
Since the project in question was a federal-grant funded one with a feminist tilt, this excuse took her through about a year and a half. After that, her different duties slowly started being re-assigned to me, and her job ended up being phased out.
I don't think a woman should use menopause as an excuse and if she *is* doing a bad job at things, she needs to look at how she can improve her job performance without expecting everyone else to cover for her.

NahnCee of OR 9:21PM August 11, 2008

"I am sick to death of the guys being all squeamish - get over yourself I'M going through it."
I know exactly what you mean!!! Sometimes women are offended when I tell them about my "enormous errection." Now I'm going to tell them "Get over yourselves, ladies! I'm the one with the errection here."
That should reduce the office tensions...

Ed of 9:04PM August 11, 2008

Of course she should tell her co-workers about what may or may not be affecting her. Honesty is the best policy, and why should people be upset by simple biological facts.
For example, when people come to see me in my office, I sometimes have to tell them "I'd stand up to shake your hand, but I have an enormous errection right now, so I'll have to remain sitting. Perhaps by the end of the meeting I'll be able to stand."
See? What is the problem with just sharing simple facts?

Bud of CA 8:51PM August 11, 2008

I happen to work with a woman right now who confirmed two weeks ago her menopausal state. She announced her state to me (a woman) and our team co-workers (men) like she was telling us she had leukimia or something. The men squirmed... Now she won't shut up about it. It is driving me nuts. I want to scream at her YOU AND FIVE GRILLION OTHER PEOPLE!!!! She acts like she is the ONLY woman to ever experience it. I went through the change early (40's) and NO ONE KNEW BECAUSE I KEPT IT TO MYSELF!!! It's like the Clairol commercial "Only her hairdresser knows for sure" Only my Gynie knew for sure and I will keep it that way!

Jane of NC 8:45PM August 11, 2008

Way too much information for someone to announce in public -- Especially if she is of "that age" -- Some things are better left unsaid -- Deal with it!

dawndawn 8:19PM August 11, 2008

what someone else is going through (in the corporate world.)
Let 'em know? It's an opportunity for the to make your life miserable.
Never let them see you sweat.
Unfortunately true (in the executive suite.)

Been There of NJ 8:18PM August 11, 2008

I'm going through hot flashes and palpitations (weird feeling!), irritability, sleep loss and eratic and phantom periods at age 40. I'm a little earlier than most so I feel the need to explain whats going on to co-workers, friends etc.

Ti-Ti of MA 8:10PM August 11, 2008