Menopause: Mystery No More

A change is gonna come.

The average TV audience for an NFL game is roughly 17 million people—and we still consider it a widely shared experience. Yet, despite the 50 million or more women experiencing menopause at any given moment in the US, ignorance, stereotypes, shame and a lack of support prevent 16% of them from discussing it at all. Luckily, our friends at Elektra Health, a provider of online education, community & care from board-certified doctors, is working to change this. And this kind of change stands to benefit everyone; while menopause is experienced by women, its impact is far-reaching. In its Annual Menopause in the Workplace report, Elektra found that 20% of respondents had considered leaving their job due to menopause symptoms. So whether you are experiencing menopause, living with someone who is or leading an organization it’s likely to impact, it’s high time we “smash the taboo” (in Elektra speak) together.    

Hormones, out.

Just the facts: A woman has reached menopause after a year without a period. In the US, 2.2 million women enter it each year. During the menopausal transition, the body’s production of two key female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, begins to progressively decline. In Western societies, the average age of menopause is 51.

More slow burn than quick change.

The opening act, perimenopause—even less discussed and supported than the main show—is the period of eight-to-ten years before menopause when hormonal changes (and symptoms) have already started. This transition can be anything but linear, with symptoms like weight gain, worsening PMS and unpredictable periods. To boot, there isn’t just one experience—women can pass through this time with a multitude of variations in terms of physical symptoms and emotional experiences.

The struggle is real.

There are about 34 different symptoms associated with menopause (how’s that for nonspecific?). The most common are hot flashes/night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness & discomfort during sex, urinary urgency & incontinence, difficulty sleeping, emotional changes ( irritability, mood changes, anxiety/depression) and dry skin, eyes or mouth. What’s second prize?

Who cares?

From employers to insurance to provider networks, Elektra’s survey reveals a widespread lack of menopause support, often impacting women at the height of their careers. Many women feel left out because their employers are neglecting to include menopause care as a health benefit, especially when compared to reproductive or fertility benefits. Elektra further found that while no two women have the same menopause experience, most women desire a multi-faceted solution that includes inclusive work policies, structured support and expert education.

Learn how Elektra’s changing the change, here.