“Millenopause”: How HR leaders can support millennials navigating menopause

Despite the media perception of millennials as perpetually youthful, the youngest members of the avocado toast generation (born between 1981 and 1996) are entering their 30s. And the generation's oldest members, often called "elder millennials", are entering perimenopause, the first stage in the menopause journey.

As menopause becomes more relevant for millennial employees, menopause benefits become more important for their employers as well. Menopause-related global productivity losses top $150 billion each year, with one in three millennials experiencing menopause reporting their symptoms have impacted their work. These productivity losses will continue to rise unless employers invest in better supporting their employees and destigmatizing menopause.

Understanding "millenopause"

What is millenopause?

Millenopause refers to the millennial generation entering the first transitional stage of menopause known as perimenopause. While menopause officially happens when someone has gone 12 months without a period, many people with ovaries start experiencing symptoms up to eight years before the cessation of their menstrual cycles in perimenopause. The menopausal transition typically happens between ages 45 and 55.

Most people experience perimenopause one to two years prior to menopause, but symptoms can start as early as four to eight years before. The average age of perimenopause is 47, but it can start as early as your mid-30s. This means many elder millennials are beginning to experience perimenopausal symptoms, if they haven't already.

Since estrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause, many people start experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems at this time. Declining estrogen is also associated with bone loss, putting people experiencing menopause at a greater risk of osteoporosis. Women of color and Black women specifically are more likely to experience symptoms of perimenopause earlier and more intensely.

Recognizing the symptoms of menopause in millennials

The most commonly reported symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Brain fog
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Difficulty sleeping
• Lower confidence and self-esteem
• Headaches 
• Joint pain 

Challenges facing millennials entering menopause

With 80% of OB-GYN residents saying they're "barely comfortable" discussing or treating menopause, it's no surprise that most women struggle to receive adequate menopause support. A recent survey by Maven Clinic found that only 36% of millennials and Gen Xers who talked to their doctor about their symptoms say they got advice that worked for them. Because they’re not getting the support they need from their doctors, many are having to dial back at work. One in six millennials who say their symptoms have impacted their work have switched to less demanding careers. 

While millennials are known to talk more openly about their health challenges, menopause is still a taboo topic for many. Nearly half of millennials report they’ve avoided discussing their symptoms due to a fear of being judged or stigmatized. Fighting stigma around menopause and improving the support available to employees experiencing menopause will be essential to attracting and retaining employees of this generation. 

Addressing millenopause in the workplace

Creating a supportive work environment

In spite of its prevalence, menopause is rarely talked about at work, making many menopausal employees feel ashamed and alone during this life stage. To better support employees as they navigate perimenopause and menopause, companies have begun offering menopause-specific benefits, like flexible working arrangements, menopause education, mental health support, and access to virtual healthcare.

Flexible working arrangements can include working from home, working part-time, or working adjusted or flexible hours, which can help employees manage their symptoms and reduce stress. In the office, employers can provide fans or portable A/C units to help employees regulate their temperature. Moreover, offering paid leave or expanding sick day usage to include menopause symptoms can help employees take time off when they need it and feel better supported.

Educating employees and managers

Over 75% of women wish they had received menopause education in school, and since millennials spend most of their time at work, the workplace may be the best place to close this knowledge gap.

Perhaps the most important thing employers can do to support their employees is reduce the stigma around menopause. Training programs for managers can help them recognize and support menopausal employees on their teams. Workshops and seminars on menopause awareness can also help to educate all employees and create a culture of openness and support.

Employee resource groups for women's health as well as privately accessible educational resources can help support employees who may not be comfortable asking questions or sharing more widely. Creating a space where employees feel safe and empowered to share their experiences—and ask for help—can make a big difference.

Benefits and resources for menopausal employees

Since menopause symptoms can be so diverse and many providers are ill-equipped to treat them, adding a virtual care benefit for women's and family health can help employees get the support they need, regardless of geographical location and often with more flexible timing. In addition to specialists, virtual healthcare can give employees access to quality mental healthcare through counseling, therapy, and support groups.

Another way employers can tangibly support their employees is by providing financial assistance or reimbursement for menopause-related treatments and care.

Health and wellness strategies for managing millenopause

Lifestyle changes and self-care tips

In addition to menopause symptom education, there are proactive steps perimenopausal employees can take to lessen the severity of their symptoms. Regular exercise helps the heart and bones, and the endorphins can help level out the mood swings. Nutrition is also important—eating foods high in Vitamin D and calcium specifically can lessen the risk of osteoporosis by aiding in bone formation.

In addition to regular exercise and eating well, employees can also manage stress and mood changes with mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga. For many, increased anxiety and hot flashes disrupt sleep, which is incredibly important for both physical and mental wellbeing. Mindfulness practices can also improve sleep quality, as well as medical treatments like SSRIs or hormone therapy.

Medical treatments and alternative therapies

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for people experiencing menopause focuses on replacing the estrogen your body no longer makes after menopause. While there are some risks to HRT treatment, for many, the benefits of HRT often outweigh the risks. Hormone therapy can help treat hot flashes and vaginal dryness, prevent bone loss and fractures, and decrease the risk of osteoporosis, dementia, and depression.

Non-hormonal treatments and natural remedies can also help alleviate menopause symptoms. Consuming less caffeine and alcohol, for example, can help with hot flashes, as can non-hormonal prescription medication. For vaginal dryness, a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant can provide relief, as well as some prescription medications.

It's important to consult a doctor or menopause specialist when considering the benefits and risks of hormone therapy, as it may not be suitable for everyone. 

Leveraging technology for menopause management

Apps and digital health can provide much-needed support for people as they navigate this new phase of life. In fact, 75% of millennials prefer to book appointments online, and most of them prefer to see a doctor virtually too.

For these reasons and more, digital care management platforms like Maven Clinic can meet people where they're at and center their diverse needs and experiences. Maven's patient-centered care model provides members with dedicated care teams and advocacy, unlimited access to menopause specialists, and educational resources. By emphasizing early intervention, Maven helps members identify menopause symptoms early and provides tailored guidance to alleviate symptoms. Maven Menopause & Midlife Health members see a:

• 36% reduction in hot flashes
• 41% reduction in sleep problems
• 45% reduction in depressive moods
• 55% reduction in anxiety

The importance of addressing millenopause

As millennials age, they will be turning to their workplaces for menopause benefits and support. Maven is the complete digital family health platform for employers seeking to provide more inclusive, cost-effective care to women and families.

Maven is the only platform with the range of trained specialists needed to support employees through every area impacted by menopause—emotional, physical, personal, and professional. Diverse specialists are available 24/7/365 to help members understand and address symptoms including OB-GYNs, mental health providers, nutritionists, wellness coaches, career coaches, sex coaches, and more.

By offering members high-touch care navigation, specialized care teams, and evidence-based care management programs, Maven delivers the right care at the right time, all within a seamless virtual experience. To learn more, contact us today.