Battle Creek menopause event highlights increased need for women’s mid-life care, impact on workforce

Event part of Michigan Women’s Commission ‘Menopause: It’s a Movement!’ statewide conversations

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.— The Michigan Women's Commission (MWC) recently hosted a conversation moderated by MWC Commissioner Dr. Tracy Joshua with women in Battle Creek, the third of their ‘Menopause: It’s a Movement!’ conversations taking place across the state. The discussions will continue to take place around the state to promote legislation to Michigan policy makers that will address the lack of menopause research and workplace initiatives to help women thrive as they experience this natural life transition. 

“The Commission’s statewide listening sessions are an opportunity for Michiganders to learn more about menopause in a safe and supportive environment,” said Cheryl Bergman, executive director of the Michigan Women’s Commission. “Menopause is a natural phase of life that directly impacts women’s health, and its impact on the workplace is often overlooked. The Commission looks forward to more impactful discussions across Michigan, as we work together to create policies and workplaces that supports women’s health and wellbeing at every stage." 

Participants included: Denise Crawford, President and CEO, Family Health Center; Dr. Gonzalo J. Rodriguez Jr., Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, obstetrician and gynecologist, Center for Family Health; Jennifer Opdycke, Women’s Health Educator, certified physician assistant and Certified Menopause Practitioner, SWMI Health Matters; Susan Bauman, who holds a master’s of science in nursing degree, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified, Advanced Health & Wellness; State Representative Julie Rogers; Phyllis Meadows, Senior Health Programming Fellow, Kresge Foundation; and Dr. Diana Bitner with the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists, Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder of true Women’s Health.  

In the United States, women make up 51% of the population and roughly 75 million women are in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause right now with 6,000 more women reaching menopause each day. A Mayo Clinic study put a price tag on menopause and estimated the costs of worker productivity losses due to menopausal symptoms to be about $1.8 billion per year in the U.S. and related health care costs total over $24 billion. This is why the MWC is working on ways to elevate the conversation around menopause. 

“Menopause is like puberty; it is going to happen to all women. So, any and all efforts to raise awareness heighten voices in the menopause-sphere seriously helps women,” said Dr. Diana Bitner. “It’s so important and just the right thing to do, for women to succeed and thrive in the workplace, for our community and the economy.” 

In 2024, MWC launched a survey to women across the state regarding their experiences with menopause in the workplace. MWC will use the data to release a report later this year, making recommendations to employers and policymakers on how to create menopause-supportive workplaces. 

“As a practicing physical therapist, advocating for patients in the office and on the House floor is one of my priorities so the efforts being made by MWC are near and dear to me,” said State Rep. Rogers. “I look forward to seeing the menopause policy recommendations they introduce this fall.” 

On March 12, 2025, MWC hosted a Women’s History Month event with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Halle Berry, and Dr. Pauline Maki convening community members, policy makers and health care related individuals to bring awareness to the lack of information and research about menopause jeopardizing women’s health. This event kick started conversations MWC will conduct around the state to create safe space for women to share their stories, include local policy makers and health professionals to destigmatize this topic and create policy solutions. 

“Improving the lives of women is the cornerstone of my work and the destigmatization of women’s health is a core part of that,” said Dr. Gonzalo J. Rodriguez Jr. “Unfortunately, the perception around menopause has led to a lack of data and research that has gone ignored until now. I’d like to thank the Michigan Women’s Commission for the work they’re doing to eliminate the stigma around menopause care and bringing the public face to face with the doctors that are fighting for them. When you open the door to health care for all, we can make good health happen. Menopause isn’t a pause; it’s a power shift.” 

The menopause project sponsors include Consumer Energy, Molina Healthcare, and the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. 

Learn more about the Michigan Women’s Commission at michigan.gov/mwc.