The Unstoppable Workforce: Read Our Newest Report

Women in midlife are difference-makers in any organization. They have the work and life experience to innovate and problem-solve, the institutional knowledge to lead and increase efficiency, and so much more. 

This much we know. But what’s often not discussed is that while they’re delivering—effectively, skillfully, gracefully even—many women are quietly struggling, feeling like they could level up their performance if they had the support they need, particularly when it comes to untreated symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

Our new report, detailing the results of our Midi patient survey, done in partnership with the workforce strategy firm The Fifth Trimester, offers an in-depth look at the daily on-the-job challenges Midi patients faced before they came to us for perimenopause and menopause symptom treatment. More importantly, it quantifies the liftoff women can achieve at work when their healthcare needs are heard and met.

Combatting the “Menopause Penalty” at Work

By midlife, many working women have amassed valuable experience, mastering skills like mentoring, negotiating, innovating—the list goes on. Yet, on average, they hit their peak career earnings by age 44. That’s a decade earlier than men.

The 10 years of lost wages and opportunities due to challenges managing menopause symptoms, a lack of related support at work, and stigma even has a name: the Menopause Penalty.

Hormonal decline can quietly erode focus, drain energy, sap motivation, and touch nearly every corner of a woman’s life. Research indicates that untreated menopause symptoms can affect women’s ability to live up to their full potential at work or drive them out of the workforce entirely—a reality that costs the economy $26 billion per year.

The impact, already eye-popping, is poised to explode in the next few years as workforce trends shift, with millennials, the largest generation in the workforce today, are already in or approaching perimenopause. And by 2050, the GDP contribution of U.S. women ages 50 and over is expected to double. That is, of course, if those women are able to stay in their jobs while facing the headwinds of midlife hormonal change.

Midi Health patients—a quarter of a million women and counting—share all-too-similar stories when they first come to us.

Many tell us about getting their jobs done, but only while struggling. They describe hot flashes during their shifts, panic attacks on commutes, or blanking in presentations. They share that they often don’t apply for promotions—and even think of quitting—due to the exhaustion associated with menopause. Too many of their days, they say, are spent at the mercy of their symptoms.

Before treatment, even while experiencing symptoms, an impressive 93% of respondents said that they were able to meet their job requirements. However, more than 70% said they did so only with lots of extra effort. 

In fact, in thinking back on how they felt while working before treatment, 74% of respondents reported that they “often or always” felt unwell. 

Midi Care Can Change Lives

The patients surveyed in our report not only showed significant improvement with Midi care but also fast results: 87% noted changes within just three virtual Midi visits.

Women don’t just need support during this phase of life—they need expert clinical care for related symptoms and risks that can upend their health and well-being. That is hard to find. In fact, 75% of women who seek care don’t get it, largely due to a widespread lack of training among healthcare practitioners. 

Midi clinicians specialize in women’s midlife care. They meet with patients via virtual visits and create customized Care Plans to help them manage the effects of menopause and perimenopause.

Before treatment, only 22% of respondents said they comfortably met or exceeded their job requirements. After receiving Midi care, that number rose to 80%.

Of the 86% of respondents who said Midi positively affected their work performance:

• 70% said that they are now more productive and efficient.
• 47% said that they more consistently deliver high-quality, error-free work.
• 25% said that they are more likely to hit their deadlines on time or earlier.
• 17% said that they run more on time.

In addition, more than 30% of surveyed women—the majority of whom hold positions at the manager level or above—said they have more confidence in their leadership skills since starting Midi care. And 25% said that they are better at mentoring, too. 

Set Yourself Up For Success

Understanding menopause’s impact on women in the workforce is only step one. Now, take actionable steps to ensure you’re positioned to succeed at every stage of your career.

Remember that what you’re going through is normal and real.

Menopause is still often misunderstood and dismissed. Symptoms are not “all in your head” or signs of weakness. They’re indications of a major hormonal shift. Whether you need personalized guidance or a prescription routine to tackle symptoms—including brain fog, hot flashes, sleep trouble, mood swings, and weight gain—we’ve got you covered. Learn more here.

Know that expert care makes all the difference.

Most health professionals have little to no training in menopause care. Midi's trained menopause specialists can help you connect the dots to guide you towards safe, effective solutions, so you can excel in all areas of your life. Book a virtual visit with Midi today.

Advocate for your needs—and remember your worth.

Retaining you and unlocking your full capacity is a great business decision for your employer. Embrace that mindset and ask for the support you need. For more information on how your employer can offer Midi as a benefit, visit joinmidi.com/for-employers.