Menopause Silence Hurts Careers. That Must Change.

Living in a society that often idealizes youth, I am grateful to be part of the coaching industry, which highly values experience and wisdom. As a seasoned executive coach in my 50s, with fifteen years of dedicated work under my belt, I can confidently say that I am currently at the peak of my career. Executives seek coaches who have been around the block, offering valuable insights gained from years of experience. However, it's disheartening to witness the persistent silence surrounding menopause, a crucial phase in a woman's life. Previously considered taboo or merely a punchline, menopause affects half of the population, striking precisely when women possess the expertise and skills to assume leadership roles.

Unfortunately, the transition phase leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, brings about a hormonal upheaval within the female body, accompanied by a range of symptoms. These symptoms can vary from minor inconveniences, such as irregular periods or occasional hot flashes, to more disruptive challenges that affect women's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Sleep problems, painful sex, mood disorders, memory issues, and a phenomenon known as "brain fog" are just a few examples. Astonishingly, these symptoms can persist for a duration of two to ten years. For some women, perimenopause becomes an overwhelming experience that shatters their confidence. They find themselves struggling to handle stress, something they were once adept at managing. Consequently, some women even opt to leave their jobs prematurely, precisely when they should be focusing on their careers as their child-rearing responsibilities have diminished.

Fortunately, effective treatments, including hormone therapy, exist to alleviate these distressing symptoms. Personally, I have experienced significant relief from such treatments, which have greatly improved the overall quality of my life. However, despite these solutions, over 70% of women choose not to pursue treatment. Lack of understanding among women and their doctors, misconceptions about hormone therapy dangers, and midlife stigma are all contributing factors. All of these factors make it much harder for women to access the treatments that could make a world of difference in their lives. Consequently, it becomes imperative for us to have open discussions about menopause and to continue these conversations for the sake of women's health and well-being.

Initiating the Dialogue: Taking Action for Change

Consult Your Doctor

Start by scheduling a conversation with your doctor, beginning with your OB/GYN. Describe the symptoms you are experiencing and emphasize the impact they have on your life and overall well-being. Unfortunately, many physicians lack sufficient training in menopause, causing them to dismiss the symptoms as a normal part of the aging process. This can be discouraging for women seeking assistance. However, it is crucial not to give up. While hormone therapy does carry certain risks, they are relatively modest. In fact, according to the guidelines provided by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks for most women under the age of 60, especially those experiencing bothersome hot flashes without any contraindications. If you are unable to find a suitable provider nearby, I recommend exploring the NAMS provider directory or considering online providers such as Midi Health and Evernow. Keep in mind that each person's situation is unique, and it is essential to consult with a medical professional to carefully weigh the potential health risks associated with any treatment.

Seek Support from Loved Ones

Breaking the conspiracy of silence surrounding menopause requires open communication and support from friends and family. It is crucial for women to discuss their experiences, share stories, and offer advice to one another, just as they often do during pregnancy and parenting journeys. By establishing a network of support, women can empower each other and collectively navigate the challenges posed by menopause. Valuable advice and insights from individuals who have gone through similar experiences can make a tremendous difference in coping with this natural phase of life. I would like to recommend an insightful piece by Jill Herzig that I believe should be widely circulated among women in their 30s and 40s, similar to the way we shared "Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret" years before experiencing our first periods.

Addressing Menopause in the Workplace

Another crucial step in normalizing menopause is fostering open conversations about it in the workplace. Although a certain stigma still exists, acknowledging menopause openly can help overcome this barrier. In a study that compared reactions to the same story involving a "menopausal woman," a "middle-aged woman," or a "middle-aged man," it was observed that subjects perceived the menopausal woman to be less stable than the other categories, unless she openly acknowledged her symptoms and attributed them to menopause. Researchers concluded that disclosing one's menopausal status conveys confidence and stability, effectively neutralizing the negative biases that people would otherwise hold. The key message here is to embrace and own this natural phase of life.

With the current challenges our world faces, businesses and organizations require the leadership of experienced and wise women more than ever before. Shockingly, less than 25% of C-Suite executives are women, and many of these women are in their fifties. If we genuinely aim to increase female representation in leadership positions, it becomes crucial to address the healthcare needs of women experiencing menopause. By engaging in honest conversations, enabling women to access necessary treatment, sharing valuable information and support, and destigmatizing this natural experience that will touch each of our lives, women can confidently navigate this transitionary phase without hindrance to their professional growth and success.