Expanding access to expert menopause care is essential for retention

The need for perimenopausal and menopausal support in the workplace is only going to grow as more millennial and Gen X women start these phases of life. The more employers do to provide the right assistance, the more likely they are to retain this crucial talent.

Yet knowing what support and education should look like is a challenge: Carrot Fertility's 2024 Menopause in the Workplace Report revealed that nearly 60% of millennials said they are not or are only somewhat prepared for menopause, and both groups reported seeking advice from  social media or other resources more than going to a doctor. Thirty-seven percent of millennials and 59% of Gen X said their employer does not provide menopause benefits.  

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These concerns overlap with work, too: 75% of millennials believe that managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms like fatigue, anxiety and hot flashes at work will be moderate to difficult, and almost half of Gen X said this was the case for them. Over one-third of millennials believe their career growth will suffer as a result of symptoms, and 27% of Gen X said this has happened to them already. 

"The symptoms they have may reduce their efficiency when they're at work, or the type of work they're able to do," says Dr. Asima Ahmad, Carrot's cofounder and chief medical officer. "With worst case scenarios, they may then choose to [move to] a different job, go part time, or just leave entirely." 

The average age women begin to experience perimenopause symptoms is 41, though they can show up in women as young as their 20s, and menopause can continue for several years past the average starting age of 52. Education and support are essential parts of keeping this large group of employee talent from struggling in the workplace, but a shortage of experts (only one-fifth of OB/GYNs in the U.S. are trained in menopause care, according to Carrot) and resources can make this a challenge for both women and their employers.  

Read more:  Millennials are hitting menopause, and it's impacting the workplace

Carrot began offering menopause benefits in 2022, which focus on hormonal health, and quickly became their fastest-growing product. Members have access to specialized care providers who offer support in various areas of hormonal wellness, along with digital content and education, as well as  an online community where women can seek and share experiences and information. 

This year, Carrot added a virtual menopause and midlife clinic, which allows members to schedule telehealth appointments with a menopause specialist who can consult and prescribe hormone therapy and other menopause-related medications. For further convenience, prescriptions are available through the platform's pharmacy. Women save time by not having to search for a vetted expert, the wait time for an appointment is drastically reduced, and they can avoid missing work because they can attend from anywhere.

"This is the next level, where you can actually log into the app and on the platform and be able to reach a certified menopause provider who will do a formal consultation, as well as be able to prescribe whatever treatment you need," Dr. Ahmad says. "It gives expanded access to providers, [and] the right care at the right time with the right provider when you need it." 

Read more:  Menopause, mental health and mom-centric support: The benefits women need

Along with offering good menopause benefits, employers need to make sure there are active conversations about menopause and women's hormonal health happening in the workplace. Carrot's report shows that over half of millennial and Gen X women say it is not a topic addressed enough, and over 40% of each say they would be comfortable talking with their employer about how to address menopause-related challenges.  

A more proactive approach on behalf of businesses reduces stigma, makes women feel more confident to voice what they need to bring their best to work, and sets companies up to be an employer of choice, says Ahmad. 

"When [women are] looking for employers, [they may] want to know that there's menopause support in place before they take that job offer," she says. "From the employee side, it's becoming more of an expectation."