Reclaiming Conversations: Women, Aging, and Menopause
Women are rising to the challenge of reclaiming discussions around once-taboo subjects related to their health. Among these, two intertwined topics take center stage: aging and menopause. With influential figures like Melinda French Gates celebrating aging as a period of opportunity and growth, it’s becoming increasingly evident that women can thrive during this phase of life with the right healthcare, mindset, and social support.
At the recent Most Powerful Women Summit, leading voices in women’s health came together to shed light on the age and sex discrimination women face, while promoting the importance of making the latter half of their lives both healthy and fulfilling. Here are key insights from these discussions.
1. Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Key to Empowering Women During Menopause
Menopause is often characterized as a tumultuous period marked by hormonal fluctuations that can lead to a host of physical and emotional challenges. Joanna Strober, co-founder and CEO of Midi Health—a company dedicated to menopause care—emphasizes the need for women to regain control during this life stage.
Strober asserts, “While perimenopause and menopause are inevitable, suffering is not.” The symptoms associated with menopause, including brain fog, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression, are linked to decreasing estrogen levels. “There’s a staggering number of symptoms related to estrogen changes,” she stated, noting that an overwhelming 85% of women will experience severe menopause symptoms.
Despite their prevalence, there exists a significant gap in treatment availability. Strober revealed that while 90% of women with severe symptoms could benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), only a mere 1.8% are actually receiving it. This disparity, she argues, stems from widespread misinformation and fear around hormone therapy, as well as a lack of understanding within the medical community. “Denying women the right treatments is denying them the ability to thrive,” she concluded.
2. The Reality of Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination is an unfortunate reality many women now face in the workforce. Debra Whitman, the Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP, pointed out that more older individuals are working than ever before, yet they encounter significant barriers simply due to their age.
Whitman stresses that “ageism times sexism equals loss,” as older women confront discrimination that forces them out of the workplace. This is problematic not only for the individuals impacted but for the economy at large. With gender and race-based pay gaps leading to lower lifetime earnings, many women are compelled to work longer into their lives.
Creating more inclusive, multigenerational teams, Whitman argues, is essential for workplace productivity and morale. “This is the first time we have five generations working together,” she noted, urging leaders to foster environments that engage all ages, particularly older workers who contribute invaluable experience.
3. Friendships as a Vital Component of Health
In addition to the health challenges presented by aging and menopause, societal issues such as loneliness and isolation can pose serious health risks for older adults. Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, emphasizes the importance of cultivating friendships as a significant health benefit.
Graves highlighted the long-standing research indicating that strong social connections correlate with better health outcomes. In fact, studies show a direct link between quality relationships and longevity. As women navigate the complexities of their lives—particularly those in the “sandwich generation,” balancing the care of both children and aging parents—support from friends and family becomes paramount.
Empowering women by providing practical solutions to ease the burdens of aging, Graves advocates for an open dialogue around the stressors many feel yet go unaddressed. "We need to normalize these discussions," she asserted, echoing sentiment that embracing aging does not need to be synonymous with fear.
Conclusion: Redefining Aging for the Future
As these powerful women articulate, the journey through menopause and aging does not have to be one of suffering and silence. With a concerted focus on education, support, and companionship, women can be empowered to redefine aging, transforming it from a time of loss to an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. By fostering open conversations and creating equitable workplaces, we can ensure that the second half of women’s lives is not just manageable, but vibrant and enriched.
In this new era of understanding, women are not only reclaiming their health narratives; they are paving the way for future generations to embrace aging as a celebrated chapter of life.
