Menopause Reasonable Adjustments Request Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to formally request reasonable adjustments for menopause symptoms at work, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong menopause reasonable adjustments request should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Describe the symptoms and their impact on work
• Reference the potential for menopause to constitute a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a substantial long-term adverse effect
• Request specific adjustments (flexible start times, desk fan, work from home on difficult days, etc)
• Request a meeting to discuss

Menopause symptoms and your right to workplace adjustments

While menopause itself isn't automatically classed as a disability, symptoms like hot flushes, brain fog, fatigue, or anxiety can be severe enough to have a substantial, long-term impact on daily activities — meeting the legal threshold for disability under the Equality Act 2010 and triggering a duty on your employer to make reasonable adjustments.

What to include before you send it

• The specific symptoms affecting your work
• The adjustments you believe would help — temperature control, flexible hours, uniform changes, or rest breaks
• How long you've been experiencing these symptoms
• A request for this to be formally considered

Practical adjustments that often make a real difference

Common effective adjustments include access to a fan or cooler workspace, flexibility around start times after a poor night's sleep, permission for more frequent breaks, and reviewing uniform requirements if synthetic fabrics worsen symptoms. None of these need to be costly or complex to implement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's letter to request these adjustments?
Not necessarily, though medical evidence can help, particularly if your employer needs convincing that your symptoms meet the disability threshold or require ongoing accommodation.

What if my manager dismisses this as just "part of getting older"?
This response itself could be relevant evidence of a discriminatory attitude — put your request in writing regardless, and escalate formally if it isn't taken seriously.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of Manager / HR]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Subject: Request for workplace adjustments – menopause

I am asking for some adjustments to help me manage menopause symptoms at work.

My symptoms are [e.g. hot flushes, poor sleep and brain fog]. At work, they [e.g. make it hard to concentrate in the afternoons and to wear the uniform jacket].

Menopause symptoms can amount to a disability under the Equality Act 2010 where they have a substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities. If so, you must make reasonable adjustments. Either way, these changes would help me keep doing my job well.

The adjustments I am asking for:
• Temperature: [e.g. a desk near an openable window, or a desk fan]
• Uniform: [e.g. lighter, breathable clothing instead of the synthetic jacket]
• Breaks: [e.g. short breaks when symptoms are severe]
• Hours: [e.g. a flexible start time after a bad night]
• Location: [e.g. working from home on difficult days]
• Facilities: easy access to drinking water and toilets

Please meet me to discuss these.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]