Shattering the Menopause Stigma: Empowering Women to Thrive in Their Career
Menopause. It’s the one word that can send shivers down a woman’s spine—and often make her office feel like a furnace. But beyond the hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings, menopause is having a major impact on women's professional lives. It’s affecting women’s career progression, and it’s costing companies—and the economy—billions. Yep, you heard that right! This isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a workplace one, too. The thing is, as women navigate the hormonal rollercoaster of midlife, the office can feel less like a corner to conquer and more like an obstacle course to survive. Let’s dig into what’s really going on and, more importantly, how workplaces can step up to support women through this transition—without adding to the stress or the sweat (no more thermostat wars, please!).
So, what do the numbers say? Brace yourself—around 20% of the global workforce is made up of women going through menopause. That’s millions of women feeling the heat (literally and figuratively) while trying to keep their careers on track. In fact, a recent study found that nearly 1 in 4 women considered leaving their jobs due to severe menopause symptoms. And it’s not just a fleeting thought—around 10% of them actually quit. Let that sink in: companies are losing experienced, skilled talent over symptoms that could be managed with the right support.
And here’s the kicker: Menopause costs American women an estimated $1.8 billion in lost working
time per year, according to a Mayo Clinic study published in 2023. In 2022, findings released by the UK menopause support app Balance estimated a staggering £10 billion ($12.15 billion) in menopause-related business losses, generating significant costs for organizations nationwide! Imagine what that number looks like globally. It’s clear menopause isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a workforce one—and it’s time we address it like we would any other business challenge.
But it doesn’t stop there. A staggering 48% of women believe they are seen as less productive or emotionally stable due to menopause symptoms. Add this to the usual mix of workplace challenges like ageism and wage gaps, and it’s no wonder that 42% of women said their ambitions have been impacted by menopause.
The Mayo Clinic estimates that menopause contributes to a loss of over $26 billion annually in the U.S. economy a whopping $24.8 billion in direct medical costs. And that doesn’t even account for things like reduced working hours, early retirements, or career changes.
In other words, companies are losing out on experienced, skilled women because they’re not addressing menopause openly.
So, what can we do about it?
At Karen Martel Hormone Solutions, we understand that menopause can feel like a full-time job on top of your actual career. But here's the thing—it doesn’t have to derail your work or your life. Our holistic approach is all about helping women take back control, balance their hormones, and feel like themselves again. Whether you’re battling brain fog in the boardroom, low energy by lunchtime, or those pesky hot flashes that show up at the worst times, we’ve got you covered. With personalized solutions like bioidentical hormone therapy, expert guidance, and lifestyle strategies tailored to your unique needs, we help you thrive at work and beyond—because menopause shouldn’t stand in the way of your success. It’s about time we start talking about menopause like the natural part of life it is—and give women the support they truly deserve, whether they’re crushing it in the boardroom, running a household, or trying to do both (while fanning themselves through yet another hot flash). Let’s break the stigma and empower women to lead, grow, and succeed, no matter what chapter of life they’re in.
At Karen Martel Hormone Solutions, we’re all about making sure you don’t have to navigate menopause alone. We’re here to help you regain your vitality and keep moving
forward—whether you’re eyeing that next promotion or just want to feel like yourself again (and maybe stop setting your office thermostat to “arctic”).
If you’re ready to take control of your hormones, start with our quick hormone quiz. Let’s figure out how we can help you live, work, and thrive—menopause or not!
Find Karen Martel on Apply Podcast
Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformational Nutrition Coach dedicated to empowering women through their health journeys.
As the host of the popular podcast The Hormone Solution, Karen tackles the complexities of hormonal health, weight loss resistance, and the challenges that come with perimenopause and menopause.
Her mission is to disrupt outdated narratives surrounding women's health, providing reliable information and practical solutions that help women reclaim their vitality. With personal experience overcoming her own health struggles, Karen offers insights into hormone optimization and sustainable weight management strategies.
Join her as she engages in enlightening conversations with experts and shares actionable advice, all aimed at helping women navigate their unique hormonal landscapes with confidence and clarity. Tune in to discover how to embrace life's stages while enhancing overall well-being.