Women Highlight Menopause Challenges in the Workplace

NEW YORK — For years, Crystal Burke struggled to identify the cause of her debilitating symptoms, including heart palpitations, severe insomnia, and a sudden inability to make decisions in her nursing career. Adding to her distress was confusion when dealing with statistics, an area she once handled easily.

“It affected every aspect of my life—work, relationships, everything,” said Burke, who initially kept her struggles to herself. It wasn’t until an advertisement for an estrogen-containing face cream caught her attention that she began discussing her symptoms with friends and finally identified the cause: menopause.

Although just 38, an age she thought was too early for menopause, Burke realized that menopause symptoms can start earlier during perimenopause and extend far beyond the typical hot flashes associated with older women in their 50s. Symptoms can encompass insomnia, migraines, brain fog, memory issues, mood swings, and more, including severe periods and urinary tract infections.

These symptoms are often severe enough to affect concentration and performance at work, yet remain shrouded in stigma and silence. As a result, women often do not seek the support they need. Many who are in senior positions reduce their hours or leave their jobs entirely due to these overwhelming changes, pointed out Lauren Redfern, who leads Hormonally, an organization focused on women’s health in the workplace. She emphasized that employer support can play a crucial role in helping women navigate this transitional time.

“Creating an open dialogue about these symptoms reveals just how many people are eager for understanding,” Redfern said. “The impacts of menopause are vast and intrusive, touching every aspect of a woman’s life.”

Around half of the global population will experience menopause, yet due to the silence surrounding it, many women and gender non-conforming individuals fail to recognize these physical and emotional changes as related to declining hormone levels. Finding qualified health care providers can be challenging, but startups are starting to offer telehealth appointments with specialists in menopausal care.

Joanna Strober, founder of Midi Health, points out that knowing there is help available can be a relief. Many women fear ongoing struggles like brain fog and weight gain will be lifelong, leading to demoralization. Burke found hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helped alleviate her symptoms, prompting her to co-found The Menopause Clinic in Louisiana, offering telehealth services to others dealing with menopause.

“Understanding perimenopause and menopause, and knowing there are options, is empowering,” Burke said. “There’s no need to suffer in silence.”

HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, and some doctors hesitate to prescribe it. Alternatives like acupuncture, diet changes, and exercise are recommended for managing symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause symptoms lead to significant losses in work productivity, costing billions annually in the U.S. Yet, only a small number of employers offer accommodations like flexible schedules or remote working opportunities.

Companies could also consider establishing support groups. Sarah Daniels, a communications manager in the U.K., launched “Menopause Matters” at her workplace, a public transportation company, to provide a space for discussions on managing symptoms. Such initiatives can help improve workplace productivity and inclusivity.

To advocate for better workplace benefits, employees can look to models like Genentech, which offers comprehensive menopause care options, including access to nutritionists, health coaches, and specific resources for menopause-related issues.

Shevonya Noble, who works at Genentech, shared that at her previous job, she felt the need to conceal her symptoms. However, inclusive workplace policies can help community members navigate this life stage openly.

Being upfront about menopause in the workplace can alter perceptions. Women experiencing symptoms like hot flashes should directly acknowledge them, suggests Strober. Acknowledging these natural changes can shift perceptions and reaffirm their roles as leaders.

Addressing menopause openly can help eliminate stigma, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone affected by this stage of life.