Midland 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

MIDLAND, Mich.— The Michigan Women's Commission (MWC) recently hosted a menopause conversation moderated by Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet. These conversations will continue to take place around the state to create a safe space where women can openly share their mid-life health stories and find answers to the questions they have about menopause symptoms and treatments.

Panelists included: Dr. Lydia Watson, Certified Physician Executive (CPE), Fellowship in the American Association for Physician Leadership (FAAPL), president and CEO at MyMichigan Health; Dr. Margueritte Kuhn, gynecologist and vice president of Medical Affairs at MyMichigan Health; Jessica Rausch, nurse practitioner; Jennifer Ringgold, women’s health educator, Woman Action Network; and Dr. Derek Mydlarz, global chief medical officer, DOW Chemical. The event also featured remarks from women's health pioneer Dr. Diana Bitner, OBGYN, Author, Certified Menopause Practitioner, True Women’s Health.  

"It’s time we started having open and real conversations about women’s health, and that includes menopause. It’s a very real part of our lives,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “I’m grateful to the Michigan Women’s Commission for bringing this panel to mid-Michigan, and I'm excited to have been a part of it." 

“I’m someone who's passionate about age-appropriate, comprehensive health education and while I’m focused on K-12 education, lifelong education is just as important,” said Ringgold. “The menopause conversation hosted by MWC really resonates with me for this reason, it’s refreshing to see action being taken to educate women on menopause and their 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 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. 

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