I Fought Back Against Workplace Discrimination Because of Perimenopause

My manager told me my perimenopause was affecting my job performance and that I needed to handle it better. He said this in a meeting with the HR representative present. I felt humiliated and angry. I also felt scared because my job felt threatened. I could have accepted his words and tried to perform better at work despite my symptoms. Instead, I decided to fight back. I documented everything. I researched my rights. I talked to an employment lawyer. I stood up for myself. And I won.

How I got here

I had been working at the same company for eight years. I had always been a good performer. Then perimenopause started. My sleep suffered. My concentration suffered. My mood suffered. My performance at work started to slip. My manager noticed. Instead of offering support or accommodations, he blamed my perimenopause. He said I needed to manage my symptoms better. He said other women manage perimenopause and still perform well at work. He suggested that maybe I was not cut out for this job anymore. That comment scared me. I was close to retiring and I needed this job. I started documenting everything he said and did.

What I actually did

I consulted with an employment lawyer who explained that perimenopause discrimination is illegal in some places and that my manager's comments could constitute harassment. I documented every comment he made about my perimenopause. I requested accommodations in writing. I requested flexible hours so I could manage my symptoms better. My employer denied my request. I filed a formal complaint with HR. HR sided with my manager. I continued to document everything. I took my case to the employment board. I filed a formal complaint. My employer was investigated. The investigation found that my manager had created a hostile work environment. I was offered a settlement and my manager was required to take training on discrimination and harassment.

What actually changed

My job situation improved. I was given the flexible hours I had requested. I was given a different manager. My performance at work improved when I had support and accommodations instead of blame. I felt empowered because I had stood up for myself. I felt less alone because other women at my company came forward with similar stories. The company implemented training for all managers about perimenopause and discrimination. My willingness to fight back created change not just for me but for other women at my company.

What my routine looks like now

I work with a supportive manager who values my contributions. I have flexible hours that allow me to manage my perimenopause. I track my symptoms using PeriPlan and I work within my body's capacity instead of fighting against it. My job performance is good again. My stress level is significantly lower. I am grateful that I decided to fight back instead of accepting the blame.

If you are experiencing discrimination at work because of perimenopause, know that you have rights. Do not accept blame for symptoms of a medical condition. Document everything. Seek legal advice. Stand up for yourself. This is not legal advice and laws vary by location. Talk to an employment lawyer about your specific situation if you believe you are being discriminated against.