In discussions about gender equality, certain topics tend to steal the spotlight: pay gaps, reproductive rights, workplace bias, to name a few. But there's one phase in a woman's life that often gets sidelined: menopause. Despite being a normal transition, menopause is frequently overlooked in the gender equity conversation. It's time we give menopause the attention it deserves in our pursuit of gender balance.
Menopause is typically reached between the ages of 45 - 55, marking the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It brings along a host of physical and emotional changes, like hot flashes, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. Yet, despite being a universal experience for women, menopause is often overlooked.
One reason for this oversight is that menopause is viewed as a taboo topic, shrouded in shame and secrecy. Women may feel embarrassed or reluctant to discuss their symptoms openly, leading to a lack of awareness and support. This stigma is further compounded by societal norms that prioritize youth and fertility, pushing menopause to the sidelines of public discourse.
In addition, the medical community will often minimize the significance of menopause, dismissing women's symptoms as merely a natural part of aging. As a result, women may not receive adequate medical attention or treatment for their menopausal symptoms. This medical neglect reflects broader gender biases within healthcare systems, where women's health concerns are often trivialized or overlooked.
Another aspect of menopause that intersects with gender equity is its impact on women's careers. The onset of menopausal symptoms can coincide with a crucial stage in a woman's professional life, potentially disrupting her productivity and well-being. Yet, workplace policies and accommodations for menopausal women are sorely lacking in the US. Issues such as flexible working hours and access to appropriate healthcare resources are often disregarded, exacerbating the challenges faced by menopausal women in the workforce.
Furthermore, the economic implications of menopause cannot be ignored. Women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms may be forced to take time off work or retire early, resulting in financial instability and exacerbating gender disparities in retirement savings and pension benefits. Without adequate support systems in place, menopause can perpetuate the cycle of gender inequality, hindering women's economic empowerment and advancement in the workplace.
So, what can we do to address these inequities? First and foremost, we need to break the silence around menopause by encouraging open conversations. By raising awareness and challenging taboos, we can create a more supportive environment for menopausal women.
We need to advocate for better training for all Health Care Providers so they are equipped to recognize, address and treat menopausal symptoms. This means offering personalized treatment options and validating women's experiences. The good news is that advocacy work is well underway and we've witnessed a remarkable emergence of women's health telehealth companies that cater specifically to the needs of menopausal women. These innovative platforms offer a range of services, from virtual consultations with menopause specialists to personalized treatment plans and access to prescription medications.
Companies like Maven, Gennev, My Alloy and Midi Health have paved the way for convenient and accessible healthcare solutions for menopausal women, breaking down barriers to care and empowering women to take control of their health from the comfort of their own homes. Through telehealth, menopausal women now have unprecedented access to expert medical advice and support, revolutionizing the way we approach menopause care and contributing to greater gender equity in healthcare.
In the workplace, employers should consider implementing policies and accommodations to support menopausal employees. This could include things like adjusting hosting menopause awareness sessions, offering flexible work arrangements, designating Menopause Champions and providing access to healthcare resources.
By acknowledging the significance of menopause and advocating for the needs of menopausal women, we can take a step closer to true gender equality. It's time to shine a light on menopause and ensure that women going through this transition feel seen, heard, and supported.
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