Blog_Menopause and workplace

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!

 

Motivation Podcast Cover.zip - 2.jpeg__PID:1106e527-881f-45a2-ba92-6c1850431c66

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.

Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel
Progesterone: ProgestCalm - karenmartel

Progesterone: Progest Calm

$54.99

Listen to more

Reversing Biological Age: The Hidden Molecule That Transforms Menopause, Reverses Hair Loss, Improves Sleep, Boosts Autophagy, Supports Mitochondria, and Restores Skin Vibrancy

Reversing Biological Age: The Hidden Molecule That Transforms Menopause, Reverses Hair Loss, Improves Sleep, Boosts Autophagy, Supports Mitochondria, and Restores Skin Vibrancy

Mar 31, 2025
by
Karen Martel

Are you ready to uncover the secret to reversing biological age and boosting your midlife vitality? In this episode, Leslie Kenny takes us into the fascinating world of spermidine, a molecule that holds the key to managing menopause symptoms and enhancing overall health. How can this hidden molecule transform your sleep, skin, and hair health? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of menopause and explore the power of spermidine in maintaining youthful energy and balance. Can it truly reverse hair loss and improve sleep quality? Discover the unexpected ways this molecule supports cellular renewal and hormone regulation.

Midlife Fitness: Cutting Through the Hype and doing What Really Works with Ulrich Dempfle

Midlife Fitness: Cutting Through the Hype and doing What Really Works with Ulrich Dempfle

Mar 26, 2025
by
Karen Martel

Bored of the same old cardio routine that feels more like a chore than a benefit? What if you could transform your fitness in just five minutes? Ulrich Dempfle joins us today to introduce the CAROL Bike and REHIT technology, promising a cardio revolution. Join us as we explore the science behind barely breaking a sweat while reaping impressive fitness rewards. Can a 5-minute workout really improve your VO2 max by over 12% in just weeks? How can AI personalize your exercise routine for maximum results? Discover how the CAROL Bike addresses our evolutionary instincts to conserve energy and fits seamlessly into our busy lives. Wondering why Olympic athletes are raving about a stationary bike? Could this be the solution to the time-crunch dilemma we all face? This episode is packed with inspiring stories and actionable insights to shift your perspective on exercise and health forever.

Compare0

              Terms & Conditions

              Karen Martel Hormone Solutions supplies products listed on the website, and in our stores under the following Terms and Conditions. Please read these Terms and Conditions, and our Privacy and Cookie Policies carefully before using any of our websites, or ordering from us.

              The Terms and Conditions apply to your use of any Karen Martel website and to any products you purchase from them; regardless of how you access the website, including any technologies or devices where our website is available to you at home, on the move or in store

              We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time, and any updates affecting you or your purchases will be notified to you, by us in writing (via email), and on this page.

              The headings in these Conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

              We recommend that you print and keep a copy of these Terms and Conditions for your future reference...