The gender gap in menopause: why do we ignore the health of women in the prime of life? | health news

In today’s world, women are busier than ever. They often balance full-time careers, managing households, raising children, and sometimes caring for aging parents all at the same time. While this balancing act can be empowering, it can also take its toll, particularly as women enter the phase of life where menopause begins to take effect. However, despite how common this stage of life is, the conversation about menopause remains silent, and the healthcare system continues to forget it. Women between 40 and 50 years old are usually in their professional prime, and this abandonment comes at a cost.

Tamanna Singh, menopause coach and co-founder of Menoveda, shares why to ignore the health of women in the prime of life.

The multitasking woman: More than just a superwoman Women today are expected to multitask. They face demanding jobs, parenting, household chores, and social obligations. The physical and mental load is enormous. This is especially true for women who married later in life and had children in their 30s and 40s. These women are caring for young children and at the same time experiencing the first signs of perimenopause. This double burden can cause a perfect storm of stress, exhaustion, and health complications as menopause symptoms begin to emerge.

For women who marry and have children later, the energy demands on their bodies in their 40s can be overwhelming. They may be running after young children while battling fatigue, brain fog, and sleep disorders—all typical symptoms of perimenopause. This is usually the first sign that their bodies are going through a significant hormonal change. It can feel like a complete physical and emotional breakdown.

The Impact of Later Marriage and Parenthood on Health In recent years, it has become increasingly common for women to delay marriage and childbearing to focus on their careers or personal goals. While this is empowering, it also brings with it its own set of health challenges. Women who give birth later in life face a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. If we add to this the hormonal changes of perimenopause that can begin shortly after childbirth, the body is in a state of constant stress.

During the perimenopause years, estrogen levels fluctuate wildly, causing a variety of symptoms such as irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes. Women who are already juggling late-stage motherhood and professional responsibilities find themselves battling these symptoms with little to no support. Their health often takes a backseat as they focus on keeping up with their fast-paced lives. The result? A growing number of women in their 40s and 50s who feel completely exhausted, exhausted and unsupported.

Falling into your 40s and 50s For many women, their 40s and 50s are a time when they hope to feel established and fulfilled. However, this is also the time when menopause symptoms usually come to a head. The emotional and physical strain can make women feel like they are falling apart. The demands of professional, family and personal life collide with the symptoms of menopause, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue, irritability and emotional instability.

Many women are unaware that menopause can also affect their mental health. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common during this phase, but are often misdiagnosed or dismissed. Women are told it’s just “stress” or a side effect of being too busy, but the reality is that their hormonal health is ignored.

Without adequate healthcare, education and support, these women continue to suffer in silence. The lack of conversation about menopause exacerbates the problem. Unlike pregnancy or menstruation, which have specific milestones and public awareness, menopause remains a “hidden” phase of life, leaving many women feeling isolated.

The failure of the healthcare system Despite the millions of women who experience menopause each year, it is still largely ignored by the healthcare system. Unfortunately, medical research on menopause remains underfunded and many healthcare providers are not prepared to offer the type of comprehensive care women need during this time. Women are often left to manage their symptoms alone or turn to over-the-counter remedies without fully understanding what is happening in their bodies.

This neglect is particularly dangerous when considering the long-term health impacts of menopause. Lack of estrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. But because menopause is considered a natural phase, many women are not offered the preventative care that could protect them from these serious health risks.

Changing the conversation The gender gap in the way we approach menopause is clear and it is time to close it. Women at their best deserve better healthcare, more support, and a stronger voice when it comes to their needs. It’s time to treat menopause as an important life transition that requires attention, just like pregnancy or childbirth.

We need more conversations about menopause at home, in the workplace, and in the doctor’s office. Women should feel empowered to ask questions, seek help, and make informed decisions about their health. By opening up these conversations, we can ensure that women not only survive menopause, but thrive through it.

Moving forward: Empowering women during menopause Closing the gender gap in menopause is not just about giving women more information, but giving them the tools and support they need to navigate this stage of life with confidence. We need better workplace policies that recognize the impact of menopause on women’s productivity and well-being. Employers can offer menopause-friendly environments, flexible work schedules, and access to healthcare that addresses both physical and mental health.

At the same time, healthcare providers need to take menopause more seriously. This means offering women a variety of treatment options, from hormone therapy to lifestyle changes, that suit their individual needs.