Crystal Burke spent five long years grappling with unexplained symptoms that disrupted her daily life. Heart palpitations, severe insomnia, and difficulty with decision-making at work were just a few of the challenges she faced. Feeling lost and isolated, she finally identified the culprit behind her struggles when she came across an advertisement for a face cream containing estrogen, a hormone that diminishes with age. Discussing her experiences with friends led her to make the connection: she was experiencing menopause at the young age of 38.
Contrary to popular belief, menopause is not limited to older women experiencing hot flashes. Symptoms can manifest much earlier, during a phase known as perimenopause, and can be far-reaching. Insomnia, migraines, cognitive fog, memory issues, mood swings, and various other manifestations can significantly impact daily life. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness and stigma surrounding menopause often leave individuals suffering in silence, fearing judgment or stigma at work.
Lauren Redfern, the executive director of Hormonally, notes that many women in leadership roles may leave or reduce their work hours due to severe menopausal symptoms. However, creating a supportive workplace environment can encourage individuals to continue working through this transition period. Redfern emphasizes the importance of open conversations about menopause to provide the necessary support for those affected by its diverse and widespread symptoms.
Menopause, a natural phase affecting around half the global population, is shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. Recognizing the signs of hormonal changes and accessing appropriate healthcare can be challenging for many individuals. Startups like Midi Health are working to bridge this gap by connecting menopausal individuals with specialized healthcare providers through telehealth services, offering hope for those struggling with symptoms without knowing where to turn for help.
For Crystal Burke, relief came in the form of hormone replacement therapy, prompting her to co-found The Menopause Clinic to support others navigating this challenging phase of life. Her journey highlights the importance of raising awareness, fostering open dialogue, and providing access to resources for those experiencing the complexities of menopause.
Louisiana is set to introduce telehealth services dedicated to addressing menopause issues. Burke emphasized the importance for women to understand perimenopause and menopause, as well as the available options to alleviate symptoms and avoid unnecessary suffering. While hormone replacement therapy may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical backgrounds, some doctors may be hesitant to prescribe it. Alternative recommendations include acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise to manage menopause symptoms effectively.
According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause symptoms account for $1.8 billion in lost work productivity annually in the U.S. Only around 5% of employers provide menopause benefits or accommodations, such as remote working options or designated cool areas, according to NFP, a benefit consulting company. To create a more accommodating workplace environment for individuals experiencing menopause, consider the following steps:
– Establish a support group: Connecting with supportive colleagues can help bridge knowledge gaps. If your workplace lacks a menopause support group, consider initiating one. The group or the human resources department can invite facilitators to educate the entire workforce on menopause, not just women. For instance, Sarah Daniels initiated a support group named “Menopause Matters” at Arriva Group, a U.K.-based public transportation company, as an extension of the existing gender inclusion group. The monthly meetings provide a platform for members to exchange information on supplements, treatments, and beauty products, fostering a sense of belonging within the organization.
– Advocate for benefits: Employees in organizations that do not offer menopause-related care and programs can advocate for similar benefits based on successful models from other companies. Shevonya Noble, a principal quality and compliance leader at Genentech, accessed various support services for her menopause symptoms through a care advocate, including nutritionists, wellness coaches, and mental health providers. Genentech provides menopause-specific resources such as classes and support groups to address the unique needs of individuals experiencing menopause.
– Take ownership: Encouraging open dialogue and raising awareness about menopause is crucial. Noble highlights the importance of including men in discussions about menopause, both in personal and professional settings, to destigmatize the topic and support individuals navigating this stage of life. By advocating for menopause-friendly policies and benefits in the workplace, employees can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those experiencing menopause.
When women face symptoms such as hot flashes and brain fog in the workplace, they are often perceived as less competent. However, if they openly attribute these symptoms to menopause and mention that they are receiving treatment for it, the discrimination disappears, and they regain their status as powerful leaders. According to Midi founder Strober, it’s crucial to address these symptoms directly by acknowledging them as part of menopause. By doing so, women can reclaim their authority and overcome any negative perceptions. Share your stories of overcoming challenges or making significant changes in your professional life by sending your questions and ideas to cbussewitz@ap.org. Stay updated on AP’s Be Well coverage, dedicated to wellness, fitness, nutrition, and mental health, at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well.
