More than hot flashes: Women raise awareness about menopause symptoms and work

Menopause affects about half the world’s population at some point in life. Yet women often don't recognize their insomnia, migraine headaches and anxiety as side effects of declining hormone levels. Social stigma and a lack of information leave many dealing with symptoms that may impact their work and relationships. Some leave their jobs or reduce their hours as a result of difficulty finding health care providers who are trained to identify and treat severe menopause symptoms. There are steps employers and employees can take to make workplaces better for colleagues experiencing menopause, including providing access to knowledgeable doctors and starting support groups.