Now Trending: Benefits to Support Women Through Menopause

November 16, 2023 Sue Riordan

Did you know nearly two million women in the U.S. reach menopause each year? Plus, symptoms may affect about 25 percent of the working population at any given time. That’s why a growing number of employers are now offering support for this once somewhat overlooked and misunderstood phase of life. You can read more about menopause below and discover why benefits to support women through menopause are now trending.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a transitional point in a woman’s life. It officially starts once they’ve gone one full year without a menstrual period and occurs when ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

According to Maven Clinic, menopause is a complex journey with many phases, and the experience, symptoms and duration of these phases differ for everyone. Most women can expect to experience menopause sometime between the ages of 45 to 55 as a normal part of the aging process. Each potential phase—including early menopause, perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause—can each come with a unique set of symptoms and can last for varied amounts of time. Menopause is also closely linked to other aspects of physical and mental health, which is why protecting your health during this time is so critical.

Typical symptoms

Though symptoms can vary for everyone, many women experience things like:

- Trouble sleeping.
- Hot flashes.
- Brain fog.
- Chills and night sweats.
- Mood changes.
- Irregular periods.
- Weight gain.
- Heart palpitations or changes in blood pressure.
- Thinning hair or dry skin.

In addition, going through menopause can put women at a higher risk for more serious conditions, such as:

- Depression and anxiety.
- Osteoporosis.
- Heart attacks, heart disease or heart failure.
- Alzheimer’s disease.

What are the best ways to stay healthy?

No matter which symptoms you face, it’s important to prioritize healthy behaviors to ease them. Steps such as quitting smoking, staying active and eating healthy can all be beneficial. Here are a few more tips you can try:

- Get enough sleep.
- Drink lots of water.
- Exercise regularly.
- Pack your diet with fruits and vegetables.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin D and calcium.
- Avoid trigger foods (such as ones that are spicy or sugary).

It’s also important to communicate with your doctor and chat with experts knowledgeable about the menopause journey. In addition, you should make plenty of time for self-care and don’t forget to prioritize your mental health.

Your benefits can help

Employers are beginning to see the value providing benefits geared at supporting menopause can bring. By adding the right mix of benefits, companies can help employees at any age manage symptoms and improve their health and well-being. And according to the numbers, 64 percent of women say more information and support in the workplace could help them manage their symptoms¹.

In return, with added support and information, you can be more productive, improve how you’re feeling at home and at work, miss fewer days and receive care for your specific symptoms.

Common features employers are leaning into include things like flexible working arrangements, virtual menopause care, mental health support and guided education.

Meritain Health® and Maven Clinic

Maven offers a complete digital reproductive and family health benefits solution, appropriate for employees as they navigate many of life’s stages. They also offer specialized support specifically for menopause.

Meritain Health has been proudly offering benefit solutions from Maven Clinic since July. You can read more about the relationship and what’s available here or when you visit mavenclinic.com.

Staying on trend

You can expect to hear much more about menopause benefits as this trend picks up steam. As always, to learn more about what’s happening in the world of self-funded health benefits, contact your Meritain Health representative.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice.