Ann Arbor 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

ANN ARBOR, Mich.— The Michigan Women's Commission (MWC) recently hosted a conversation moderated by Rep. Carrie Rheingans. with women in Ann Arbor, a fifth ‘Menopause: It’s a Movement!’ conversation. The conversations will continue to take place around the state to create a safe space for women to share their mid-life health stories and get answers about menopause symptoms and treatments.

Panelists included: Amy Raad, licensed master of social work and clinical social worker, certified surgical technologist, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists certified sex therapist, Center for Sexual Health UofM Michigan Medicine; Dr. John Randolph, UofM Health; Dr. Rose Moten, psychologist and director of Bloom Transformation Center; Dr. Kathryn Welch, University of Michigan Health; and Dr. Rhonda Smith, Board Certified Doctor of Natural Health, founder of Soul Delights. The event featured remarks from women's health pioneer Dr. Diana Bitner, OBGYN, Author, Certified Menopause Practitioner, True Women’s Health.

“I’ve said before that community and individual health depends on the building blocks of our daily lives and the Michigan Women’s Commission has exemplified this ideal through their community centered menopause conversations around the state,” said Rep. Carrie Rheingans. “I look forward to their policy recommendations and how we can make Michigan an example in the advancement of women’s mid-life 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.

"When we create policies and workplace cultures that acknowledge and support women navigating menopause, we’re not only promoting health and dignity — we’re making a smart investment in our workforce and our economy,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Supporting women at every stage of their careers helps retain experienced talent, boosts productivity and fosters workplaces where everyone can thrive. The return on that investment is healthier employees, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy for all."

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.

"Addressing menopause in the workplace is essential to understanding the full scope of challenges women face across their careers and lives,” said Cheryl Bergman, executive director of the Michigan Women’s Commission. “This work shines a light on an issue too often overlooked, yet one that directly impacts women’s health, economic security, and professional growth. As part of our mission to review the status of women in Michigan, highlight critical issues, and celebrate their contributions, the Menopause Movement is a vital step toward creating policies and workplaces that truly support women at every stage."

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.

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

###