Every woman will go through menopause. Research funding for menopause remains disproportionately low despite its significant impact on women’s health and quality of life. We need:
(1) Increased investment is crucial to better understand and address the symptoms and long-term effects of menopause (lack of estrogen which can later lead to osteoporosis, dementia, etc).
(2) Awareness of perimenopause symptoms (fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, joint pain, restless sleep, night sweats, painful sex, low libido, etc. - the list goes on) should be displayed in pamphlets, on billboards, magazines, TV ads, etc. to educate women and MEN of these changes. A pamphlet dedicated to men for understanding this phase would be just as beneficial, if not more. Women as early as their mid-late 30s are suffering with debilitating onset issues, but have no diagnosis due to their age and lack of menopause knowledge by them or their physician.
(3) thorough menopause training incorporated as part of the standard in medical school; and
(4) workplaces should recognize the challenges menopause can pose emotionally, physically and mentally, and consider dedicated paid time off and/or a hybrid work environment (where permitted) to support employees’ well-being and productivity during this transitional period.