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Employers are slowly beginning to understand the impact that menopause can have on worker wellbeing and productivity.
“The workplace has become more welcoming in baby steps,” according to Bonafide Health. “Women are reporting subtle advancements and more help from employers for their menopause symptoms.”
However, struggles in the workplace have remained consistent, according to the latest State of Menopause Study from the women’s health care company:
- More than 1 in 10 employed respondents report that their employer offers accommodations for their symptoms, which is an increase of 4 percentage points over 2024.
- Although half of women have no plans to change their work arrangements, three-quarters of women aged 40 to 49 report their symptoms have had a negative impact on at least one work-related aspect of their life
- Four in 10 women overall and 46% of those aged 40 to 49 say that perimenopause (the transitional phase leading up to menopause) or menopause symptoms have negatively affected their ambition.
The onset, preparation for and initial treatment phase of symptoms remain the most tumultuous parts of the menopause journey, where women are being confronted with more clutter and less clarity. This year’s findings show younger women believe perimenopause is having a deeper impact on their lives than in previous years.
Although menopause information and product availability have surged, women remain confused about treatment options. Limited preparation and unfamiliarity with symptoms and how to manage them contribute to a knowledge gap. Fifty-nine percent of women say they didn’t know about perimenopause until they already were experiencing it. Nearly three-fourths of all women surveyed say they were not prepared for how disruptive their symptoms are in their life, which is an 8 percentage point rise since 2023.
Although data indicate that more specialized health care support is needed, nearly one-third of women don’t feel confident in their ability to advocate for themselves in a health care setting. Four in 10 women have gotten conflicting advice on symptom management from health care professionals, and 22% of those aged 40 to 49 had a health care provider incorrectly attribute their perimenopause symptoms to anxiety.
Women continue to believe that self-education is the best way to navigate menopause. Although younger women are showing signs of knowing more about perimenopause and menopause at earlier ages, they are less likely to feel as if they know enough to advocate for treatment.
“This year’s report clearly demonstrates that women in perimenopause thrive when they proactively shape their own care and understand what’s going on in their bodies,” the survey report concluded. “Choosing a provider who listens and partners with you is key. Tracking symptoms reveals patterns that can help inform treatment options so women can get help faster. Staying curious and cross-checking sources is critical to avoid misinformation.”
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