Menopause: Talking About Why We Don’t Talk About It

Half the world’s population will go through menopause, but until recently, it’s rarely been talked about.

The newest Break Room webinar is here to help change that.

In “Facing Women’s Health Together: How Managing Menopause Takes a Village,” panelists Dr. Kelly O’Malia, Pharm D Natalie Le, and Clinical Pharmacist Ann Ziegert discussed how this stigmatized topic is gaining a voice. They explored how perimenopause and menopause happen, the symptoms that come with them, different types of support, and why it’s so important to talk about all of it.

Turning TMI into “tell me immediately.”

While half the world goes through menopause, it’s far from a universal experience.

People with ovaries have estrogen receptors all over their body, so when menopause happens and the body stops producing as much estrogen, it’s no wonder things can get thrown out of whack! From itchy ears and night sweats to frozen shoulder and brain fog, the symptoms can be different for everyone. There’s no manual that outlines which symptoms you’ll get, when you’ll get them, or how long you’ll have them.

In 2025, Mayo Clinic conducted a survey from 5,000 women ages 45-60 and found that more than 80% didn’t seek medical care for their menopause symptoms. Another survey showed that 40% of those in perimenopause and menopause felt shame about their symptoms while 83% said they felt stigma around the subject.

The silence around menopause may seem inconsequential, but Ekta Kapoor, lead author of the Mayo Clinic survey, said:

“This gap has real consequences for women’s health and quality of life, and it’s time we address it more proactively.” 

A primary care approach to a complex change 

For generations, those who’ve gone through menopause went through it on their own, but our members don’t have to. The type of care offered at Premise Health wellness centers is founded upon breaking down the barriers that make it difficult to be seen. 

If a member is dealing with disruptive symptoms, looking for coaching on this change, or simply needs someone to listen, their care team is there. With lifestyle medicine, preventive care, and more, they’ll support them through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

What most people would benefit from is a provider who can take their unique health needs into consideration and offer care that addresses whole-person health. Premise Health is here to do just that.

If you’re a member or believe you may be a member, connect with your employer or your wellness center to learn more about the benefits available to you. 

If you’re a benefits leader, partner with us to discover how we can support wellbeing at your organization.