Menopause, Hot flushes, and Thermal Comfort in the Workplace

Abstract

The menopause transition represents an acutely distressing period for women, representing the time of reproductive senescence. The most characteristic symptom is the ‘hot flush’, whereby peripheral vasodilation, sweating, and discomfort accompany a warm sensation of the head, chest, and arms. Approximately 60-80% of women experience ‘hot flushes’, which may contribute to decreased quality of life, and impact work, social, and leisure activities. Naturally, symptoms have long been associated with the long-term deprivation of estrogen, however, research to elucidate the thermoregulatory mechanisms has proposed either a temporary dysregulation or exaggerated response to changes in core temperature. As female workforce participation rates increase, the ramifications for work productivity, comfort and quality of life are increasingly important. Therefore, the purpose of the present thesis was to understand the physiological signals, characteristics, and perceptions surrounding hot flushes and how they impact symptomatic women. Specifically, study 1 examined the physiological signals which manifest during a hot flush to characterise the individual variability and potential contributors (physiological or environmental) to the perceived intensity of a hot flush. Study 2 then endeavoured to ascertain if there are more chronic repercussions in thermal comfort which arise with menopause which are separate to the acute effects of a hot flush. Lastly, study 3 explored the perception of hot flushes, how they impact thermal comfort, how they are managed within the home and work environments, and barriers to achieving relief from hot flushes within working contexts. Study 3 captures the voices of symptomatic peri- and post-menopausal women as they describe their lived-experiences regarding hot flushes and working lives. The culmination of results from the experimental chapters 1, 2, and 3 depict both the physiological and perceived experiences of symptomatic peri- and post-menopausal women, quantifying the impact of hot flushes on their home and work environments.