Understanding Menopause: Breaking the Silence and Embracing Support
Crystal Burke’s journey to understanding her symptoms took five long years. At 38, she experienced heart palpitations, severe insomnia, difficulty making decisions at work, and confusion with statistics—a task she once mastered effortlessly. “It affected my work, it affected my relationships, it affected everything,” Burke reflected. “I felt lost. I didn’t talk to anybody about it.” Her symptoms remained a mystery until she stumbled upon an advertisement for an estrogen-based face cream, which led her to connect the dots: menopause. Despite her youth, Burke was entering perimenopause, the transitional phase leading to menopause. This experience is far from unique, as many individuals suffer in silence due to societal stigma and a lack of education about the diverse symptoms of menopause.
The Far-Reaching Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is often stereotypically portrayed as a phase of life marked by hot flashes in women over 50. However, the reality is far more complex. Perimenopause, which can begin years earlier, brings a wide range of symptoms, including insomnia, migraines, brain fog, memory problems, mood swings, depression, anxiety, heart palpitations, hair loss, and weight gain. For some, it also means heavy, painful periods or recurring urinary tract infections. These symptoms are not just inconvenient; they can profoundly disrupt daily life and career performance. Chronic insomnia, for instance, can impair concentration, while brain fog can leave individuals struggling to find words during critical meetings. Despite the severity of these challenges, many people endure them in silence, fearing they’ll be judged as underperformers or weak.
The Hidden Impact on Work and Well-Being
The effects of menopause extend beyond personal health, often spilling into professional lives. Many individuals, including those in senior leadership roles, are forced to reduce their work hours or even leave their jobs due to debilitating symptoms. Lauren Redfern, executive director of Hormonally, a nonprofit focused on workplace education about women’s health, emphasizes that employers who support their teams during this transition are more likely to retain talent. “When you open up a space to talk about these things, people are desperate to have a conversation,” Redfern said. “The symptoms are so diverse and so far-reaching and so prolific they impact every area of someone’s life.”
Breaking the Silence and Promoting Change
Menopause affects half the world’s population at some point, yet it remains shrouded in silence. Many individuals, including women, nonbinary people, and transgender individuals, fail to recognize their physical and emotional changes as symptoms of declining hormone levels. Finding healthcare providers trained to address these issues can be challenging, but some startups are stepping in to bridge this gap. Companies like Midi Health are connecting individuals with specialists who understand menopause, offering telehealth appointments and referrals. “When you don’t know that something can get fixed, it’s very scary,” said Midi Health founder Joanna Strober. “If you think, ‘For the rest of my life I’m going to have brain fog and not remember anyone’s name, and I’m going to keep losing my car in the parking lot and I’m going to keep gaining weight,’ then it’s very demoralizing.”
Finding Relief and Creating Supportive Workplaces
Crystal Burke found relief through hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a treatment that not all individuals can access due to medical histories or hesitancy from healthcare providers. Inspired by her experience, she co-founded The Menopause Clinic in Louisiana to provide telehealth services focused on menopause. “The biggest thing is for women to know what perimenopause is, what menopause is, and that there are options,” Burke said. “The suffering isn’t necessary.” For those who cannot pursue HRT, experts recommend alternative strategies like acupuncture, dietary changes, and exercise to manage symptoms. Employers can also play a crucial role by creating supportive environments. According to benefit consulting company NFP, only about 5% of employers currently offer menopause-related benefits, such as flexible working hours or cool rooms. However, these accommodations can make a significant difference.
Taking Action to Foster Inclusion and Understanding
Promoting change begins with education and open conversations. Starting a support group at work can help bridge knowledge gaps and provide a sense of community for those navigating menopause. Sarah Daniels, a communications manager at Arriva Group, a U.K.-based public transportation company, launched “Menopause Matters,” a support group that fosters connection and shares resources for managing symptoms. Daniels believes such initiatives improve productivity and create a sense of belonging. Employers can also advocate for menopause-specific benefits, such as those offered by Maven, which connects employees with nutritionists, wellness coaches, and mental health providers. Additionally, speaking openly about symptoms can help reduce stigma. As Midi founder Strober noted, “You have to call it out. You have to say, ‘Oh, that’s a hot flash,’ not just look sweaty in a meeting, because then they just discount you.” By fostering inclusion and understanding, we can empower individuals to thrive during this stage of life.
