October 21, 2025
Event part of Michigan Women’s Commission ‘Menopause: It’s a Movement!’ statewide conversations
FLINT, Mich.— The Michigan Women's Commission (MWC) recently hosted a menopause conversation moderated by Rep. Cynthia Neeley. This was part of a statewide series 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.
"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."
Panelists included: Hunter O’Connor, holistic womb healer, founder of Hive Holistic Center; Dr. Sara Cramton, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and OB/GYN at Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology; Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP); Dr. Nita Kulkarni, Hurley Medical Center; Tarnesa Martin, registered nurse-bachelor of science in nursing, patient resource & community advocate, Hurley Medical Center.
“As a woman with two daughters who started menopause early, the conversations being held by the Michigan Women’s Commission are resources and community building spaces I wish I had at the beginning of my journey," said Rep. Cynthia Neeley. "And as a representative and member of the Healthy Policy Committee, I’m working hard to advocate for the bills in the House that will help menopausal Michiganders.”
“When we empower women to speak openly about their health and experiences, we break barriers that have silenced generations," said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. "Women's well-being is deeply tied to their ability to learn, work and lead. Through MiLEAP's work to expand child care access and open doors to education, we're helping women stay strong, supported and fully engaged in Michigan's success.”
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.
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 held around the state to create a 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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