Here’s a startling truth: millions of women are silently battling menopause symptoms, often hiding them out of shame or fear. This phenomenon, known as 'menopause masking,' has sparked a national conversation—one I inadvertently became part of when I shared my own experiences. To my astonishment, my story resonated deeply, flooding my inbox with nearly 400 LinkedIn comments, dozens of private messages, and hundreds more responses on the BBC News website. Many called me 'brave' for speaking out, while others thanked me for 'normalizing' brain fog. But here’s the part most people miss: I didn’t feel brave at the time—I felt exposed. Yet, it revealed just how much stigma surrounds menopause, despite it affecting half the population at some point in their lives.
Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Davina McCall, and Lorraine Kelly have openly discussed their menopause journeys, and Gwyneth Paltrow even called for a 'rebrand' of menopause back in 2018. Progress is happening—menopause screening is now part of NHS health checks for women over 40 in England, and the Employment Relations Bill mandates UK employers with 250+ staff to have 'menopause action plans' by April 2027. But here’s where it gets controversial: a 2023 survey by University College London found that over 75% of 1,600 women still feel uninformed about menopause. If awareness is growing, why does this gap persist?
The stigma runs deep. One woman in her 60s, an academic specializing in social policy, confessed to me that she downplays her 'menopausal moments' around colleagues, finding it 'embarrassing'—especially when she forgets key terms in her field. But this masking comes at a cost. Fionnuala Barton, a GP and menopause specialist, warns that the energy spent hiding symptoms can deplete reserves, increase overwhelm, and even heighten burnout risk. And this raises a critical question: Is the act of concealing menopause itself harming women’s lives?
The NHS lists 34 menopause symptoms, many of which can be debilitating. One woman shared how vaginal dryness made walking painful; another revealed bladder weakness that now keeps her working from home. A third admitted avoiding social situations due to brain fog. Yet, these women also showcased incredible resilience—using fans for hot flushes, writing notes to combat memory lapses, and more. But as journalist Fiona Clark points out, 'If you’re hiding it, you’re not getting the help you need.'
At work, menopause masking is particularly challenging. With four million UK women aged 45-55 in the workforce—prime menopause years—the impact is significant. Jo Brewis, a professor at The Open University Business School, explains that masking symptoms creates 'intensive margin costs,' an economic term for the extra burden it places on individuals. Shockingly, one in 10 women aged 40-55 have left jobs due to menopause symptoms, according to The Fawcett Society. Some step back from promotions or take lower-status roles to cope, while others work longer hours to compensate for focus or fatigue.
But here’s a perspective-shifter: not all cultures view menopause negatively. In Japan, 'konenki'—the word for menopause—means renewal and energy, often called a 'second spring.' Dr. Megan Arnot notes that in many indigenous communities, menopause is seen as a transition into wisdom and leadership. Melissa Melby, an anthropology professor, spent a decade in Japan and found the cultural attitude left her with 'a sense of potential and hope.' Is the West’s focus on negative symptoms creating a self-fulfilling prophecy?
The menopause industry is booming, valued at over $17bn in 2024 and projected to hit $24bn by 2030. Yet, supplements, trackers, and headbands often aren’t enough. In workplaces, Brewis emphasizes that employers must offer thoughtful support—training managers for sensitive conversations, making reasonable adjustments, and recognizing menopause as a valid reason for absence. But what if some women never want to disclose their status? Shouldn’t initiatives focus on reducing stigma rather than forcing openness?
Ultimately, attitude matters. Anthropologist Margaret Mead coined the term 'post-menopausal zest' in the 1950s, declaring, 'There is no greater power in the world than the zest of a postmenopausal woman.' For now, that’s what many of us cling to—along with HRT and a dose of 'konenki' thinking. But the overwhelming response to my story revealed the most comforting truth of all: I’m far from alone.
Thought-provoking question for you: Should menopause be reframed as a natural transition to empower women, or is the focus on symptom management more practical? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.**
