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You're in a meeting. Heart racing. Sweat pooling. Heat radiating up your neck like a damn volcano. You can feel everyone watching as you fan yourself with a folder.

Later, you can't remember a single thing that was discussed. Brain fog so thick you're taking notes on your notes.

You go home and think: How much longer can I keep this up?

Here's the answer nobody wants to give you: You shouldn't have to.

The Numbers Are Brutal

76% of women have ZERO workplace accommodations for menopause. None. Nada. You're on your own.

49% say menopause has torpedoed their job performance. For women under 50, that jumps to 76%.

72% have hidden their symptoms at work. One-third haven't told a soul.

17% have quit or considered quitting because of menopause.

One in ten women have turned down job opportunities because there's no support.

And here's the kicker: Over 75% of women work throughout their menopause transition—right when they should be climbing to senior positions. Instead, they're being pushed out.

The global economy loses $150 billion a year in productivity. The U.S. alone? $1.8 billion annually

What Actually Works (When Companies Give a Damn)

Some companies are getting it right. Here's the playbook:

The Physical Stuff

• Desk fans, portable AC units, access to cooler spaces
• Flexible dress codes (short sleeves, breathable fabrics, layers)
• Ergonomic support for joint pain

Flexibility That Matters

• Remote work when symptoms are brutal
• Adjusted start times for the sleep-deprived
• Actually flexible schedules, not "flexible-ish"

Real Benefits

• Coverage for HRT and menopause specialists
• Mental health support for mood changes
• Educational resources that don't suck

Culture Shift

• Manager training (because most of them are clueless)
• Written menopause policies
• Open conversations without the stigma

Microsoft, Nvidia, and Bristol Myers Squibb already do this. Microsoft saw 3,000 provider interactions and 800 appointments booked in the first few months of rolling out menopause benefits.

Have the Scary Conversation

Script: "I'm experiencing menopause symptoms that are affecting my work—specifically [hot flashes/brain fog/whatever]. I need [specific accommodation]. Can we make that happen?"

Don't apologize. Don't minimize. Ask directly.

The Bottom Line

Women 50+ are the fastest-growing workforce demographic. We're at the peak of our expertise. And we're being systematically pushed out because of a natural biological process that happens to half the population.

This isn't just unfair. It's economically stupid.

You are not overreacting. You are not being dramatic. You are not failing.

You are going through a natural transition in a workplace that was never designed to support women. Period.

That's not on you. That's on them.

If this resonates with you - hit reply and keep the conversation going!

✨✨ICYMI✨

Sweat, Sleep and Sex: How HRT Can Help

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What HRT is and how it works
• The benefits of HRT for symptoms, bone health, heart health, brain, and sexual health
• The risks and considerations to keep in mind
• How to approach conversations about HRT with your doctor or patients
• Common myths debunked

Key Takeaways / Highlights:

• Timing matters: starting HRT earlier in menopause may reduce risks
• Not all hormones or delivery methods are the same — transdermal vs. oral, bioidentical vs. synthetic
• HRT can improve quality of life, but it must be individualized
• Shared decision-making is essential for safe and effective treatment

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