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Menopause: A Conversation Long Overdue
By Sophie Solomon
S
o, let’s talk about it! At 58, perimenopause hit like a storm, and I wasn’t ready. I had heard about the infamous hot flashes and night sweats, but nothing prepared me for the crippling brain fog, paralyzing self-doubt, and overwhelming struggle just to “show up” at work. At the time, I was leading a critical business integration while stepping into a new role — two high-pressure situations that required clarity, decisiveness, and confidence. Suddenly, the skills and instincts I had honed over decades seemed to vanish overnight. I felt like a deer in the headlights, stuck, uncertain, and consumed by impostor syndrome.
But here’s the worst part: I didn’t even know what was happening to me. I had no language to describe my experience, no awareness that these cognitive and emotional struggles were part of a perfectly normal biological transition. Instead, I told my partner, “I don’t have it anymore. I lost my touch. I think I’m done.” In the end, my performance suffered, and it ultimately cost me my role.
In hindsight, had I been equipped with the knowledge, awareness, and resources to navigate menopause in the workplace, my experience and my career would have looked very different. And I know I’m not alone.
In the United States, approximately 20 percent of the female workforce is between the ages of 45 and 54 — the typical age range for menopause. That means that about 9.5 percent of the entire US workforce is experiencing menopause right now. Yet, the conversation around menopause remains absent from professional settings.
That’s why this article exists: To normalize menopause and to ensure that every woman — whether in corporate leadership, running her own business, freelancing, or working on the front lines — has the knowledge, support, and tools she needs to thrive.
Let’s talk about menopause, not as a burden, but as a natural, inevitable, and powerful transition that deserves recognition, respect, and action.
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Brain Fog and Boardrooms: Menopause, Work, and the Power of Talking About It
The Big Picture: A Silent Career Killer
Women are living longer, healthier lives, and many reach the peak of their careers just as perimenopause and menopause begin. And yet, this natural biological transition often derails their journey — not because they lack talent or ambition but because menopause remains a taboo topic in the workplace.
Whether in corporate settings, entrepreneurial ventures, freelance careers, or self-employment, women at every level face its impact without recognition or support. Fearing they’ll be perceived as “past their prime,” they might hide their symptoms, push through exhaustion, and suffer in silence. The result? Brilliant, experienced professionals quietly stepping back just when they should be at the top of their game.
It’s not just about leaving the workforce; it’s about the missed potential. Women in this stage of life have the experience, network, and knowledge to launch businesses, step into leadership, mentor the next generation, and drive innovation. Instead, many hesitate to take risks, start ventures, or embrace new opportunities because menopause erodes confidence at the very moment they should be at their most fearless.
This is more than an individual loss — it’s a loss for industries, economies, and society as a whole when some of the most seasoned, insightful, and resilient minds hold back — not because they want to but because they feel they have no choice.
The Reality of Symptoms: More Than Just Hot Flashes
Menopause is not just about inconvenient hot flashes. It encompasses a wide array of symptoms, with over 30 different manifestations reported. (My favorite: itchy feet! Yes, it is a “thing”!) Menopause is a full-body, mind-altering experience. The symptoms are vast, ranging from the physical to the psychological:
- Debilitating brain fog: Forgetting names, missing deadlines, struggling to articulate thoughts — things that once came naturally suddenly require enormous effort.
- Insomnia: A few hours of fragmented sleep a night leaves women depleted, yet they still show up, expected to perform at their peak.
- Depression and anxiety: A crushing sense of self-doubt can hijack even the most ambitious mind.
- Hot flashes and night sweats: Imagine standing in front of an audience mid-presentation, suddenly drenched in sweat, trying to maintain composure.
- Weight gain and joint pain: Women struggle with unexplained weight gain, making them feel even more invisible or judged in a corporate culture that prizes youthful energy.
- Dry skin, hair loss, and other physical changes: These can erode confidence and self-image, feeding into impostor syndrome.
- Cardiovascular disease: It’s the leading cause of death among postmenopausal women. The decline in estrogen levels during menopause diminishes its protective effects on the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risks of heart disease and stroke.
The Silent Struggle: Fear of Being “Found Out”
Because of menopause’s taboo nature, many women also go to great lengths to hide what they’re experiencing. They fear that admitting to their struggles could damage their professional reputation, lead to missed promotions, or cause colleagues to perceive them as weak or incapable.
The energy it takes to mask the symptoms — pretending that everything is fine while internally struggling — is exhausting. Over time, this can lead to burnout, resentment, and eventually a quiet exit from the workforce — not because she wants to leave, but because she feels she can’t keep up.
The Cost of Silence: Billions in Lost Talent
Menopause has significant economic consequences, costing the US over $26 billion annually due to lost workdays and medical expenses. In the UK, menopause-related symptoms led to 14 million lost workdays each year, with one in ten affected women leaving their jobs, costing businesses up to £30,000 per replacement. Beyond absenteeism, presenteeism further reduces productivity, with affected women incurring higher healthcare costs and missing up to 14 days of work annually. Workplace support remains insufficient, as 40 percent of women report missing work due to symptoms, yet only 26 percent feel their employers adequately address the issue.
Breaking the Taboo: A Workplace Evolution
So, what do we do? We talk about it. We normalize it. We reframe menopause as a power move, not a liability. Here’s how we start:
Changing the Narrative
Menopause is not the end; it’s a new beginning. Women in this stage of life are wise, mature, experienced, resilient, empathetic, and determined. They bring stability, leadership, and strategic thinking that younger professionals lack. Organizations, and women themselves, need to recognize that these women are an asset, not a liability.
Using the Right Vocabulary
Menopause should not be whispered about like a shameful secret. Professionals and organizations need to foster open discussions, just like they’ve done for mental health, pregnancy, and parental leave. Menopause is a workplace issue. Period (no pun intended!). Using clear, direct language helps women feel seen and supported. By speaking openly and unapologetically, we normalize menopause, remove the stigma, and create space for real support in the workplace, in friendships, and in leadership. We can change the dialogue.
Women Taking Charge of Their Health
Most doctors receive only a few hours of training on menopause throughout their entire education. A 2023 survey of US obstetrics and gynecology residency program directors revealed that only 31.3 percent of programs had a dedicated menopause curriculum. Among these, 71 percent offered two or fewer lectures per year on the topic. Women need to educate themselves, advocate for treatment options, and seek healthcare providers who truly understand menopause. Put simply: Women need to be the CEOs of their own health.
Women Supporting Women
Menopause should never be a lonely journey. Women must talk, share resources, recommend doctors, swap strategies, and push for change. Imagine a world where seasoned professionals mentor younger women, not just in careers but in navigating health, confidence, and identity.
Beyond work, this is about life. It’s about laughing until we cry, holding each other’s hands through the highs and lows, and embracing the power that comes with age. We’ve lived, loved, lost, and risen stronger, and nothing can take away the force of nature we’ve become.
Men Championing Women
For many women, even those experiencing it, menopause remains a mystery. And for men, it’s an even greater unknown. Yet, menopause affects everyone, not just the women experiencing it. Men are colleagues, managers, partners, sons, brothers, and friends to women navigating this transition. When a woman in the workplace struggles with brain fog, fatigue, or anxiety, it impacts her entire team. And when a leader feels she must hide her symptoms to avoid being perceived as weak, her organization loses the full strength of her leadership.
By bringing men into the conversation, we create stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and better relationships. When men understand menopause, they can be more supportive colleagues and leaders in the workplace, ensuring that talent isn’t lost due to stigma or lack of accommodations. At home, they can also show up as allies, helping partners, mothers, or friends navigate this transition with empathy.
Adjusting Workplace Policies
Progressive companies are already leading the way with menopause leave policies, including flexible work arrangements; wellness benefits covering hormone therapy, counseling, and lifestyle support; and education and awareness programs for all employees.
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Menopause Without Borders: For Us and for Future Generations
This is about more than just today’s workforce. By breaking the silence, we pave the way for future generations of women to thrive. I am personally committed to breaking the silence around menopause, not just by talking about it but by leading real change. That’s why I’ve founded MenoWarriors, a forum dedicated to normalizing the conversation, educating, offering resources, and creating a safe and supportive space for both women and men to engage in open, honest discussions about menopause. Our mission is to reframe the narrative, shifting the perception of menopause from a career obstacle to a natural transition that, with the right awareness and support, can be navigated with confidence and strength. We aim to pave the way, to drive meaningful change, and to ensure that no one has to go through this experience alone.
For International Women’s Month 2025, let’s make a courageous statement: Menopause is not a problem. Silence is.
There is never a better time than now to talk, lead, and shake things up with confidence, boldness, and laughter. Let’s break the silence, rewrite the rules, and have a good time while we do it! Happy International Women’s Month.
Sophie Solomon is a global sales and marketing executive with over 30 years of experience driving business growth, and crafting impactful go-to-market strategies for top tech firms, while championing inclusivity and breaking the stigma around menopause to ensure women can thrive without barriers.
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