Millions of talented, hardworking professionals show up every day to do their jobs while silently battling a largely ignored issue in the workplace. It’s a situation that can affect everything—from mood to memory to sleep and energy levels.
Picture this: You’re in the middle of a big presentation. Suddenly, the room is closing in and feels unbearably warm. You lose your train of thought, anxiety kicks in, your confidence drops, and by the end of it all, you’re just exhausted.
Believe it or not, this scenario is all too familiar for millions of working women.
These are just a few of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. A time of life typically occurring for women between the ages of 45 and 55. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 17 million women in this age range in the workforce. By this point in their careers, many are at the top of their game in their careers, yet they are often too afraid, too embarrassed, or even ashamed to speak up about what they’re going through.
And making it even harder for some women, let’s not forget the fact that men still hold 60% of managerial roles in the workplace. So, what do most women do? They power through.
But how can we expect our employers to support women in menopause when a Mayo Clinic Proceedings study found that only about 7% of OB-GYN residents feel adequately prepared to discuss menopause with their patients. If medical professionals aren’t equipped to handle the conversation, can we really expect the workplace to be?
But things are starting to shift, with celebrities like Halle Berry, Naomi Watts, and Oprah Winfrey bringing this often-taboo topic into the open. And this year, CVS Health became the first U.S. company to receive the “Menopause Friendly Accreditation” from MiDOViA, an organization that promotes menopause education and advocacy in the workplace.
Legislation is starting to catch up too. States like Illinois and Louisiana have passed laws requiring insurance coverage for some or all menopause treatments, with more states introducing similar bills.
At Zen210 Wellness, I work with people navigating all stages of life—but I have a special passion for supporting working women, like me, through the transitions of perimenopause and menopause. As both a Senior Executive in the corporate world and a certified Health & Wellness Coach, I understand firsthand the pressures women face trying to balance high-performance careers with the personal challenges that come with this stage of life.
Whether you're seeking personalized one-on-one support or the community of a group coaching circle, you don’t have to go through this alone.
Let’s stop being afraid to have these conversations—at home, in healthcare, and yes, even in the workplace. Reach out to me now, and let’s talk about it.
