Overview

• Menopause symptoms, including brain fog, insomnia, and anxiety, can significantly affect work performance and daily life, yet many women face stigma and suffer in silence.
• Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading to menopause, can begin earlier than expected and involves diverse symptoms beyond hot flashes, such as memory issues and mood swings.
• Workplace accommodations, like flexible hours and support groups, are shown to help employees manage symptoms and maintain productivity, but only 5% of U.S. employers currently offer such benefits.
• New research suggests a link between severe menopause symptoms and long-term cognitive challenges, including memory and learning difficulties, potentially increasing dementia risk.
• Experts advocate for broader awareness, access to specialized healthcare, and open discussions to reduce stigma and empower women to seek effective treatments, such as hormone therapy or lifestyle changes.