Class is in Session: Menopause 101

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, when the ovaries are no longer ovulating and menstruation stops. This life stage can begin any time between early-to-mid 30s to early 50s and can last anywhere between three to seven years. Not only does the length of time vary from woman to woman, there’s also a wide host of challenging symptoms that can impact a woman’s day-to-day life—much more than hot flashes and night sweats. The consistent loss of hormone production can lead to debilitating symptoms such as joint pain, cognitive decline, heart disease, osteoporosis, and a number of cancers. If you’re navigating the menopausal transition, you aren’t alone. By 2030, the world population of menopausal and postmenopausal women is projected to increase to 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year. Despite the staggering need for menopause care, only 1,500 physicians worldwide are certified by the Menopause Society, leaving many women underserved, misdiagnosed, or untreated.  These disparities often hinder, or completely derail, women at a critical time in their careers. The impact is even greater among the BIPOC community; members of which tend to enter perimenopause and menopause at earlier ages, have longer transition periods, and experience more intense, debilitating symptoms.   

Menopause Fast Facts  

  • 73% of women do not receive necessary treatment for menopause symptoms
  • 80% of OB/GYNs do not receive menopause training 
  • 99% of women feel menopause symptoms have negatively affected their career
  • 1 in 5 women consider leaving work due to menopause
  • 59% of women reported taking time off due to symptoms—18% for eight weeks or more
  Women deserve better care. YOU deserve better care. That’s why WIN is committed to helping you navigate this stage of life through WIN PowerPause. Our Nurse Care Advocates are here to help you find the in-network doctor best suited to support your symptom relief, and ultimately, help you get back to a sense of normal. If you have any questions, you can call us or schedule an appointment with your menopause Nurse Care Advocate directly in the WINApp. WIN’s mission is the same as yours—to ease the menopausal transition and maximize symptom relief. In that spirit, we’re sharing a few frequently asked questions that you may find helpful as you navigate this new stage of life. 

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