The historical taboo around discussing menopause and the lack of quality, specialized menopause care have made it difficult for women to get the support they need to manage their symptoms and balance health and work. October 18 is World Menopause Day, and it’s time to better understand the impact of menopause and recognize the critical need for change in menopause care.
- 6,000 women reach menopause every day in the U.S. alone
- 75% of women aged 40 to 65 receive no treatment for serious menopause symptoms
- 1 in 10 women who work during menopause quit their jobs due to the severity of symptoms
- $26.6 billion in working time and medical costs is lost annually due to menopause symptoms
- Only about 31% of residency programs have a menopause curriculum (according to NAMS Menopause Journal), meaning doctors aren’t as well versed in this area.
When the average person thinks of menopause, they might think of hot flashes, perhaps changes in mood. But menopause symptoms are both more wide-ranging and far more severe. Women going through menopause may experience insomnia, brain fog, increased anxiety, mental health struggles, and a racing heart among other symptoms – and this is not a short-term state of health. Menopause symptoms can last from 7-14 years. It can be extremely difficult for women to live their day-to-day lives while experiencing these symptoms, and doing their best work becomes more challenging.
In the workplace, this can unfortunately lead to women in the prime of their careers missing work or quitting their jobs entirely. This means fewer women in leadership roles, and those that do stay on are often suffering in silence because of the social stigma of discussing menopause and the lack of education about available treatment.
By providing benefits that support a multigenerational workforce, including support for menopause in the workplace, employers can make a significant difference for women at work. Targeted corporate menopause benefits can help level the playing field for female leaders, eliminate barriers to seeking treatment, and connect women with resources designed to help.
Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some resources that can help:
- Your members are facing menopause. Here’s what you need to know – LaborPress
- Seeing the Menopause Factor: Menopause Benefits at Work – Progyny
- Finally, Menopause Workplace Benefits Are Here – Gennev
- 12 Common Symptoms Of Menopause Every Woman Should Know – Midi Health
- October 25 Live Event: Breaking up with the Myths of Menopause with Dr. Yakisha Dooley, MD – Gennev
- Menopause Goes to Work – Midi Health
Menopause benefits at work are here, and they are a critical piece of end-to-end women’s health support and inclusive, outcomes-focused healthcare. Ready to bring age-inclusive health benefits to your company?