The Untapped Power of Menopause: Reframing the Future of Women's Health
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- Oct 18, 2024
- 5 min read
By Raji Mohanam
Menopause, a natural and inevitable stage in a woman’s life, is experiencing a long-overdue transformation from being one of the most misunderstood phases of womanhood to a subject of open dialogue and empowerment.
Once shrouded in stigma and silence, menopause is now being demystified through the efforts of public figures like Michelle Obama, Naomi Watts, and Oprah Winfrey, who are sharing their personal experiences. Global influencers and platforms like Menopause Mandate and The Latte Lounge are also amplifying conversations, helping to normalize menopause and reduce its economic and social impact.
This growing movement is reshaping how menopause is viewed, encouraging greater awareness and support across workplaces, families, and society at large. As more companies and influencers step up to break the silence, the conversation is no longer solely about the challenges but also the potential for change. Alongside this progress lies a tremendous opportunity—one ripe for innovation, investment, and societal transformation.
It is recognized that the economic impact of menopause remains vast, affecting individuals and businesses. A study by the Mayo Clinic highlights a staggering $26 billion loss to the U.S. economy each year due to menopause-related symptoms. This includes $1.8 billion in lost workdays and $24.8 billion in direct medical expenses. The true cost likely far exceeds these estimates when considering reduced work hours, job losses, early retirements, or career changes prompted by the challenges of managing menopausal symptoms at work.
Women aged 45 to 54—prime years for career growth—make up about 20% of the female workforce in the U.S., and with women constituting 47% of the total workforce, approximately 9.5% of all U.S. workers are navigating menopause. Symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and joint discomfort can drastically reduce productivity, leading to missed opportunities for both women and the businesses they support.
Beyond the workplace, menopause has far-reaching social consequences. Women exiting the workforce prematurely due to unmanaged symptoms face long-term financial insecurity, which not only impacts them personally but also ripples out to their families and communities. This phenomenon also contributes to a shrinking labor pool, exacerbating existing labor shortages, particularly as experienced, highly skilled women step away at the height of their careers. This exodus occurs at a pivotal time for many women who are at their peak earning potential and poised for leadership roles. Yet, menopause often disrupts this trajectory, feeding into the already concerning “leaky leadership pipeline.” Although women represent 28% of the C-suite and only 10.4% of Fortune 500 CEOs, menopause is rarely discussed as a potential barrier to women’s progression into top positions—despite it likely playing a contributing role.
Given the profound economic and social impacts, the historical lack of focus on menopause is both perplexing and indicative of deeper systemic issues. For centuries, women’s health has been sidelined in medical research, a consequence of patriarchal biases that viewed men as the "default" human subject. This exclusion wasn’t rooted in science but in a belief system that deemed women's bodies too complex or unstable for reliable research due to hormonal fluctuations. As a result, medical studies focused overwhelmingly on men, ignoring the unique health challenges women face, including menopause. It wasn’t until 1993 that a groundbreaking policy required women and underrepresented groups to be included in clinical trials—a shift long overdue in dismantling these biased practices. Yet, even decades later, disparities persist. As recently as 2018, only 15% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget was allocated to women’s health research, a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained this neglect remains.
Social taboos surrounding menopause perpetuate this inaction. While conditions like erectile dysfunction receive ample public discussion and marketing, menopause remains a whispered topic. The silence is especially pronounced in workplaces, where discussing menopause with HR is rare. While 76% of HR managers believe menopause is regularly or sometimes addressed, only 3% of menopausal women report having these conversations.
The path forward requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and the private sector to transform how we approach menopause—from awareness and research to support and investment.
Government Action
Despite previous legislative roadblocks, progress is on the horizon. The Biden Administration's $100 million investment in women’s health research through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is a promising start. In addition, the White House Initiative on Women's Health led by First Lady Jill Biden signals a broader commitment to addressing women’s health, with a particular focus on expanding research into menopause. Supporting the Menopause Research and Equity Act of 2023 will be key to advancing knowledge and solutions.
Workplace Change
Businesses are increasingly recognizing that creating menopause-friendly workplaces is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic one. Forward-thinking companies are offering menopause-specific benefits, including virtual access to specialists and expanded coverage for treatments not typically covered by insurance. Companies such as Bank of America, Citi, and Unilever are leading the charge with workplace initiatives that provide resources, support, and training to better accommodate women during this life stage. Manager training to foster open, supportive conversations about menopause, as well as establishing peer networks for menopausal employees, can create environments where women feel valued and supported throughout this life stage.
Investment in Menopause Solutions
The menopause market is brimming with untapped potential. With 6,000 women reaching menopause each day in the U.S., the demand for solutions is vast and growing. In 2023, the global market for over-the-counter menopause products reached $16.93 billion, with the U.S. contributing $6 billion. However, this estimate significantly undervalues the true market, excluding areas like medical devices, virtual care, and biotech innovations. Despite women controlling 80% of healthcare spending, investment in menopause-focused startups remains low—accounting for just 3% of the $1.9 billion invested in femtech and a fraction of the $30.7 billion invested in digital health.
A Call to Action
As the conversation around menopause evolves and gains momentum, it's time to fully embrace this transformation and recognize both the opportunities and challenges it presents. We are witnessing a shift—from stigma and silence to empowerment and understanding. By continuing to advocate for policy changes, expanding supportive workplace initiatives, and investing in innovative health solutions, we can dramatically improve the lives of midlife women while unlocking significant economic and social benefits.
Addressing menopause head-on not only benefits women but also strengthens businesses and fosters a more inclusive society. This movement combines awareness and reshaping the narrative to see menopause for what it truly is: a natural life stage that opens the door to new possibilities, growth, and empowerment.
Let’s keep pushing for this change as we build a future where women, through all stages of their lives, can truly thrive.