Statewide menopause events highlight increased need for women’s mid-life care, impact on workforce

Michigan Women’s Commission launches ‘Menopause: It’s a Movement!’ statewide conversations 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— The Michigan Women's Commission (MWC) recently hosted a menopause conversation moderated by Senate Majority Leader Winne Brinks. 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.  

“I'm deeply passionate about many aspects of women’s health and menopause healthcare finally getting the spotlight it deserves is wonderful to see,” said Senate Majority Leader Winne Brinks. “Especially given my background as a caseworker aimed at helping businesses and nonprofits improve workplaces, I’m looking forward to creating menopause supportive workplaces for the people of Michigan.”   

Panelists included: Dr. Sarah Arnold, MD, Menopause Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals; Natasha Peoples, Nurse Practitioner, Menopause Medicine, Gynecology, Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals; Nisha McKenzie, CEO of Women’s+ Health Collective, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner; Dr. Laurie Birkholz, Doctor of Medicine, North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner; Laurie Birkholz MD & Associates, and Rebecca Greier Horton, Senior Insights Strategist, MillerKnoll. 

""At MillerKnoll, we believe women in mid-life—often at the peak of their careers—deserve workspaces that support their health, comfort, and success,” said Rebecca Greier Horton. “That’s why we’re designing welcoming environments that recognize and respond to the realities of menopause. No one should be held back by their surroundings when they’re leading, innovating, and shaping our communities.”  

“I like to tell my patients that menopause is absolutely normal, but being in pain and suffering through it is not. And a big part of preventing a negative experience is by curating a strong care team, which can be difficult when there’s so little information about midlife care,” said Dr. Sarah Arnold. “Because of this I really appreciate the Women’s Commission’s work in educating the public and connecting them with healthcare providers who are eager to help!”.” 

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.