After switching to a new gynecologist, at 48, she learned that these changes were related to her transition to menopause, known as perimenopause. And that the stress of the job was only making them worse. Ms. Chen says her doctor told her, “‘your body is screaming for you to stop.’”“I hit a wall,” Ms. Chen said. Eventually, Ms. Chen changed her lifestyle and, after a few months, switched to working as a consultant, which allowed her to control her hours and stress levels. Symptoms associated with the transition to menopause, which can last a decade, are often a drag on women’s careers and arise at a time when they may be stepping into larger executive roles.

---

Persons: Celia Chen, Chen, “, ”, Ms Organizations: Mayo Clinic