Let’s talk about menopause. It’s an important topic that has traditionally been minimized, mocked, and misunderstood. But if left unmanaged, it can derail your retirement plans.
Earlier this summer, I attended a webinar presented by the British Columbia Chapter of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists. In The “M” Shift – Midlife and Menopause Reboot, Cathy Waterman of Spark Vitality provided insight on a topic we don’t talk about enough. Her presentation demonstrated the wide-reaching impact of menopause, and led me to consider how it could derail retirement plans.
So, let’s talk…
Menopause primer
Menopause is a natural transition—a biological phase marking the end of a woman’s fertility. The Menopause Foundation of Canada reports women will spend one third to one half of their life in one of the three menopausal phases.
- Perimenopause is the two to ten year period before menopause, starting in the mid to late 40s for most women. This is the time when women experience the most disruptive symptoms due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone.
- Menopause is the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for one year. The average age of menopause in Canada is 51.
- After reaching menopause, postmenopause lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. Symptoms of perimenopause usually subside several years after menopause, although in some cases symptoms persist for decades.
Societal impact of menopause
By 2030, the National Library of Medicine reports the world population of menopausal and postmenopausal women will increase to 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year.
Menopause is a natural life transition, but the physical changes, cognitive effects and emotional impact are disruptive.
- Examples of physical changes include hot flashes and night sweats, sleep disturbances, joint and muscle pain, and weight gain and metabolism changes.
- Cognitive effects include brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory lapses.
- Finally emotional impacts—mood swings, anxiety and depression, and low energy—take a significant toll on overall wellbeing.
In her presentation, Cathy shared some startling statistics about menopause:
- Three out of four women experience menopausal symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
- One in four women suffer severe menopausal symptoms.
- And 32% report negative effects to their work, leading 10% to stop working due to unmanaged symptoms.
All of this adds up to $237 million a year in lost productivity and $3.3 billion of lost income, in Canada alone. Globally, a 2023 report from AARP estimates worker productivity losses total $150 billion USD with an additional $600 billion USD in related healthcare costs.
Yet, many women hide their symptoms in the workplace, with 48% feeling too embarrassed to ask for support, and 67% feeling uncomfortable speaking to their supervisors.
The impact on retirement
You may be wondering how this impacts retirement as most women will have fully transitioned to postmenopause by the time they reach traditional retirement age.
In addition to perimenopausal symptoms that may linger for decades, the potential effects of menopause on retirement are far reaching.
First, there’s lost earnings potential which contributes to the gender pension gap. The 50s are prime earnings years and, for those who have spent most of their lives caring for family, the time immediately preceding retirement is an opportunity to catch up on retirement savings. A U.K. report indicates lost pension contributions due to menopausal symptoms could add up to over £30,000 (approximately $60,000 CDN)
Menopause symptoms also affect attitudes toward aging, with 61% associating menopause with aging. In her book Breaking the Age Code, Dr. Becca Levy reveals research showing positive age beliefs can extend lifespan by 7.5 years.
Hormonal changes in menopause can lead to health problems later in life. The World Economic Forum reports increased risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence.
Finally, don’t discount the impact on relationships. In a U.K. study, 80% of respondents admitted perimenopause and menopause symptoms put a strain on their children or family life. And, seven out of ten women in the survey blamed menopause for the breakdown of their marriage.
Yet, many women aren’t getting the support they need.
Help is available
Ultimately the best thing we can do is bring the topic of menopause mainstream through education and conversation.
Whether you’re a woman experiencing symptoms of menopause, an employer interested in better supporting employees through the transition, or an individual looking to support a loved one, resources are available to help you. The websites at the end of this article contain excellent content to expand your knowledge.
For women experiencing symptoms of menopause, don’t be afraid to speak up and seek the support you need. Find out what help is available in your workplace or community. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. You may also want to consider seeking the services of a menopause coach.
I admit I’d never heard of a menopause coach until I saw Cathy’s presentation. She offers wellness, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle support that can help you manage symptoms, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and increase your confidence for the future.
For employers, consider the productivity impact of menopause on your workplace. Review your benefits offering to ensure coverage for drugs, paramedical, and other benefits don’t present unnecessary barriers to women seeking support. Above all, educate employees and managers on menopause and the support available.
For partners, children and other loved ones supporting someone through menopause, start by educating yourself. Then, the simplest thing you can do is listen to her concerns and take them seriously.
Additional resources
Here are some helpful resources to continue your learning.
Menopause Foundation of Canada
Don’t let menopause derail your retirement! Seek the help and support you need to thrive at all stages of life.
If you’re thinking about retirement, contact me to learn how I can help you create a plan for a life filled with meaning and purpose.