Written by: Betty Murray, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In the ever-evolving world of business, a significant yet often overlooked issue arises the effects of menopause on professional women. With an increasing number of women entering leadership roles and their contributions being recognized more than ever, there's an urgent need to address the challenges they face during this transition. This article explores the profound impact of menopause on women leaders in the workplace, discussing the personal and financial implications. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Maya Angelou, Vera Wang, and Christine Lagarde, it emphasizes the potential of women post-50. The piece further delves into societal perceptions of menopause and the necessity of medical intervention. It offers solutions for businesses to provide a supportive environment. As menopause affects approximately 50% of the global population, businesses must ensure the well-being and support of their workforce, enabling them to flourish at every stage of life.
Behind closed doors, female employees have voiced concerns about experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, and brain fog, all indicative of the menopause transition and how these symptoms impact work performance and life-work balance. While many companies offer support for fertility, egg freezing, surrogacy, and adoption, there is a be a gap in addressing menopause. While issues like fertility struggles and postpartum depression have gained recognition in the workplace, the conversation around menopause and perimenopause remained largely unspoken.
However, the tide is turning⎯with more women continuing to work well into their 50s and beyond and rising to leadership positions in the workforce; the concept of "menopause-friendly workplaces" is gaining traction, especially in Britain, where menopausal women represent a rapidly growing demographic. With over 50 British organizations now recognized as "menopause-friendly" and the British Parliament advocating for more inclusive policies, this movement is poised to make its mark in the United States.
An ageless revolution: Women rising post-50
First, we must shift our view of menopause from a 'problem' to a powerful new chapter. Women like Maya Angelou serve as brilliant testaments. Angelou, an iconic poet and civil rights activist, achieved her most renowned works like "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" post-50. Her story challenges the prevailing notion of diminishing productivity with age.
While Vera Wang was already a well-known figure in the fashion world by her 50s, her empire and influence continued to expand later in life. Beyond her iconic wedding dresses, Vera Wang's fashion influence has extended into ready-to-wear collections, home goods, fragrances, and even eyewear. In her later years, she became a figure representing the idea that age shouldn't define style or limit one's ambitions. She's celebrated for her designs, personal style, and vitality into her 70s.
Christine Lagarde has had a long career in law and politics, but her most notable positions have come later in her life. In 2011, at 55, Lagarde became the first woman to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a role she held until 2019. Ms. Lagarde tackled global financial crises in this position and championed women's economic empowerment. Later, in 2019, she became President of the European Central Bank, becoming the first woman to hold that position.
These women showcase that significant contributions and career milestones are not limited to youth and that many continue to achieve great feats and influence change well into their later years.
The urgency of addressing menopause in the workplace
By 2030, the global population of menopausal women is set to skyrocket to 1.2 billion. Every year, a staggering 47 million women navigate this transformative phase. Yet, despite these eye-opening figures, an alarming number of women endure this phase silently, especially in professional settings. The space where they spend most of their waking hours offers little understanding or support.
Approximately 25% of women believed their menopausal symptoms hampered their professional growth. Moreover, 17% contemplated or executed resignation due to inadequate workplace support during this life phase. The ripple effect on businesses is evident: diminished productivity, increased healthcare costs, and the loss of experienced talent at the peak of their prowess (source).
The silent costs: Menopause's hidden toll on business
Emily had always been a top performer in her advertising firm. She prides herself on her attention to detail, creative ideas, and ability to present to clients confidently. However, as she approached her early 50s, she noticed changes.
During a crucial client presentation, she experienced her first intense hot flash. The room felt warm due to the projector, but suddenly, an overwhelming heat enveloped her from the inside out. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her neck felt aflame, and her once steady voice wavered. The room seemed to blur, and she paused to maintain her composure while silently cursing the ill-timed symptom.
In the weeks that followed, the hot flashes became more frequent. They came unpredictably: during meetings, while Emily was deep in concentration, or when chatting with colleagues. Alongside them, sleep disturbances took hold. Night sweats interrupted her previously peaceful nights, leaving her tossing and turning. Her usual sharp memory began to feel foggy, making it challenging to juggle her numerous responsibilities.
The financial implications of ignoring the health implications and business impact of menopause for businesses are vast. Emily’s experience is not unique; her struggles point to menopause's impact on performance. Research by the International Labor Foundation, supported by Frost & Sullivan, suggests menopause-induced productivity losses globally are around a staggering US$150 billion annually. In the U.S., the costs run deeper. Untreated menopausal symptoms account for 57% more work productivity loss days. This translates to an incremental cost of $1,346 per patient yearly in direct healthcare and $770 in lost work productivity, as showcased by Dr. Pinkerton in a 2015 study.
Health & business: Interlinked fortunes
Beyond the direct financial costs, the repercussions of untreated menopause extend to increased risks of conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Employers must acknowledge the interconnectedness of health and business. Ignoring menopausal care elevates the risk of these conditions, directly influencing the workforce's well-being and the business's vitality.
Anita had recently been promoted to a managerial role in her tech company. She was excited about the challenges and was eager to prove herself. But alongside the difficulties of her new role, Anita began facing the trials of menopause.
She found herself becoming more irritable. Once a beacon of patience, small mistakes by her team would set her off. She often felt overwhelmed by her workload and an underlying anxiety she couldn't place. Some days, she'd be on the brink of tears without understanding why.
But the most disruptive symptom was the brain fog. Mid-sentence, she'd forget her train of thought. During team check-ins, she'd momentarily blank on a team member's name, someone she'd worked with for years. One particularly challenging day, after forgetting a crucial deadline, Anita confided in a friend at work. To her surprise, her friend laughed gently and shared her menopausal journey, advising Anita to seek medical help. Through sharing experiences and coping strategies with others, Anita felt less isolated.
Menopause has, historically and culturally, been perceived and approached from a variety of angles, each bringing its own set of implications. Let's delve into the dominant narratives: menopause as a "disease" and menopause as an "act of aging to be supported."
1. Menopause as a "Disease"
This perspective classifies menopause as a medical condition to be treated and managed, much like one would approach other medical ailments.
Implications of this Perspective:
Medical Intervention: It leads to the belief that menopause requires medical treatment. For instance, hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be perceived as a necessary treatment rather than an optional intervention.
Stigmatization: By perceiving it as an illness, society may unintentionally stigmatize menopause, making women feel "sick" or "abnormal" during this period.
Over-medicalization: There's a risk of over-medicalizing a natural aging process, leading to undue stress, unnecessary treatments, or overlooking holistic approaches that can be beneficial.
2. Menopause as an "Act of aging to be supported"
This narrative views menopause as a natural progression of ‘aging’ in a woman's life, similar to puberty.
Implications of this Perspective:
Normalization and Acceptance: Recognizing menopause as a standard phase of life can help normalize it, leading to more open conversations, shared experiences, and mutual support among women.
Holistic Approaches: Embracing it as a natural process can encourage holistic wellness strategies, encompassing lifestyle changes, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness practices to manage symptoms and maintain overall well-being.
Empowerment: Instead of approaching menopause as a problem, this perspective encourages women to embrace it as a time of wisdom, growth, and potential, reshaping their life's narrative.
Educative Opportunities: With a supportive approach, there is a drive to educate both women and society about menopause, leading to informed choices and debunking myths.
Emerging modern narrative
A new narrative is emerging in the modern age, blending aspects of both perspectives. Menopause is increasingly seen as a natural process that may come with certain health challenges. Life expectancy in 1900 for a woman was only 57 years of age. Living far past reproductive age into our 80s and 90s is a modern phenomenon. Aging is the single most important risk factor for all diseases. Just because it is natural does not mean it is ideal.
While not indicative of a ‘disease,’ these challenges can sometimes benefit from medical intervention or support. Thus, instead of an either/or approach, the contemporary view promotes personalized strategies that respect the natural aging process while addressing individual symptoms or health risks that might arise. Even though the thought of classifying a ‘natural part of aging’ as a disease sounds harsh, labeling menopause as a condition/disease allows for insurance coverage for diagnosing and treating menopause, which is not universally covered today, leading to scores of women suffering in silence.
In essence, how we frame menopause shapes societal attitudes, influences medical practices, and, most importantly, impacts the lived experiences of countless women. Embracing a balanced and informed narrative can help women feel supported, empowered, and equipped to navigate this significant life transition with dignity and grace.
A Case for medical intervention in menopause: Addressing women's health risks head-on
While menopause is a natural and inevitable phase in a woman's life, it is essential not to oversimplify its profound physiological impacts. It is a time of significant hormonal shifts, which doesn't merely translate to symptoms like hot flashes or mood swings; it also brings about tangible health risks. Addressing these risks relieves symptoms and ensures a long, healthy, and vibrant life post-menopause.
Here's why medical intervention, when appropriately tailored, is not just a choice but a potent tool in the arsenal of women's health:
Cardiovascular Health: Estrogen, which sees a decline during menopause, has a protective effect on the heart. With its decrease, the risk of cardiovascular diseases can increase. Early and appropriate medical intervention can offset these risks, ensuring the heart remains robust.
Bone Health: Osteoporosis and the subsequent risk of fractures become a significant concern post-menopause. With declining estrogen levels, bone density decreases. Medical intervention, in the form of both preventive measures and treatments, can be crucial in maintaining bone strength and integrity.
Mental Health and Cognitive Function: Some women report memory lapses or decreased cognitive function during menopause. While the direct link between menopause and cognitive decline is still being studied, ensuring hormonal balance through medical intervention might help maintain optimal brain function.
Metabolic Changes: Menopause can also lead to metabolic changes, increasing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Proper medical guidance and intervention can ensure women maintain a healthy metabolism, minimizing potential complications.
Quality of Life: Beyond the tangible health risks, menopause can also significantly affect a woman's quality of life. Sleep disturbances, mood fluctuations, and physical discomfort can impact daily life, relationships, and well-being. Medical intervention can provide relief, allowing women to embrace and enjoy their post-menopausal life fully.
Recognizing and addressing the health risks associated with menopause isn't about medicalizing a natural process; it's about acknowledging women's challenges and empowering them with options. Every woman's menopause journey is unique, and so should be the approach to managing it. Medical intervention can be a game-changer when chosen judiciously and tailored to an individual's needs.
Solutions for a supportive future
To nurture a conducive environment for menopausal women, businesses can:
Raise Awareness: Recognize menopause as a health condition. Combat age-related biases, bridge knowledge gaps, and facilitate open discussions about menopause.
Empower through Education: Establish clinically based educational programs and sponsor dialogues with menopause experts, helping employees share experiences and access valuable tools.
Enhance Support & Care: Create cooling rooms, offer discounts on menopausal relief products, and integrate menopausal care into health benefits and company policies.
What can women do to support the menopause transition?
The following are the top 5 medical interventions and strategies that women can consider to support themselves during menopause:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a treatment that uses hormones identical in molecular structure to those produced by the human body. BHRT can help alleviate hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and other discomforts. It can also address the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause, which is linked to various health risks.
Cardiovascular Health Monitoring: The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring and early medical intervention, such as heart health check-ups and appropriate medications, can ensure that heart health remains robust.
Bone Health Assessment and Intervention: The risk of Post-menopause, osteoporosis, and related fractures rises due to decreased bone density. Women should get bone density scans, consume a calcium-rich diet, and consider treatments or supplements that support bone health.
Mental Health and Cognitive Support: Some women experience memory lapses or decreased cognitive function during menopause. Engaging in mental exercises, seeking therapeutic support, and discussing possible medical interventions with healthcare professionals can help maintain optimal brain function.
Managing Metabolic Changes: Menopause can lead to changes in metabolism, heightening the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Regular health check-ups, dietary interventions, and potential medical treatments can ensure a healthy metabolism and minimize complications.
In addition to the above medical strategies, women can explore holistic wellness strategies, including lifestyle changes, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness practices, to manage symptoms and maintain overall well-being during menopause. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Conclusion
Menopause, a natural biological transition experienced by approximately 50% of the global population, demands a seat in corporate discussions. With women contributing immensely to worldwide business and many achieving unparalleled feats post-50, it's time companies evolve, support, and recognize the strength of women at all life stages. After all, businesses thrive when their workforce does.
If you'd like some support to assist you in understanding your hormones, check out my "What is My Hormone Type Quiz" and get your personalized report to see if your hormones contribute to your symptoms. You can also check out my weekly podcast at Menopause Mastery Podcast (Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music) on your favorite podcast app.
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Betty Murray, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Betty Murray, founder, and CEO of the trailblazing Living Well Dallas Functional Medicine Center, has revolutionized medicine in Dallas. Her personal crusade against colitis sparked an exploratory odyssey spanning 25 years, navigating the intricate labyrinth of nutrition, biochemistry, and functional medicine with an emphasis on women's hormones and their impact on health. On the brink of earning her Ph.D., her pioneering research delves into the relationship between hormone metabolism, the microbiome, and IBS in women. An acclaimed authority in women's health, Betty's voice resonates via her influential Menopause Mastery Podcast as part of a global initiative empowering women in their second season of life.
