Nearly 80% of K-12 Teachers Are Women

And Half of Them Are Menopausal

Photo by Олександр Білоцерківець on Unsplash

The title of this column headlines education. But women in all of their diverse roles are effected by the change at some point. Teaching is just one field that stands out as predominantly female.

When ovulation stops and the resultant hormonal changes occur, women often experience a variety of disconcerting symptoms that would be burdensome for anyone’s workday. I certainly found sleep interruptions and bodily temperature tantrums a challenge to my classroom management!

Health and Productivity

Photo by Windows on Unsplash

Organizations where we are employed want everyone doing their best work. They know our health and productivity are fundamentally linked. At school, counseling is available, particularly in times of trauma or upheaval; PPE was provided to all at the height of COVID-19; and if a member of the community becomes hospitalized due to childbirth, injury, or illness, there are expressions of support and well-wishes.

Those acknowledgements and adjustments prompt my question: What accommodations are made to deal a universal female experience which impacts work-life? During my thirty-two years of teaching I could hear crickets chirp over the silent response. Menopause was simply not discussed.

More Recently, Here in Dutchess County, NY

Some employers have adopted formal menopause and midlife policies. Two organizations that responded to my query about these services were CVS and Nuvance. CVS operates multiple pharmacies in Dutchess County. Nuvance Health operates Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Northern Dutchess Hospital, and Putnam Hospital.

CVS Health

CVS was the first US company to earn “Menopause Friendly Accreditation” from MiDOViA, an organization that advocates for workplace menopause services. Dr. Joanne Armstrong, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Women’s Health at CVS Health explains that, “Menopause is a life stage that impacts women in nearly every aspect — heart health, bone density, mental well-being and much more. No two menopause journeys are the same; holistic, integrated care is needed.” To that point, CVS provides benefits for its colleagues, including in-person and virtual health care, counseling, and a Menopause and Midlife Care Support Guide.

CVS also provides menopause care to the public (in-person and virtual) through MinuteClinic. (MinuteClinic has telehealth and walk-in options at many pharmacies. Care is available every day; Most insurance is accepted). And, for those insured through Aetna, a CVS Health company, members can access clinicians trained in menopause care and symptom management.

The Women’s Health Department at Nuvance has certified clinicians who treat community patients, as well to employees. The Women’s Wellness Center in New Milford, Connecticut Care provides care for anxiety, depression, body image concerns, or other life transitions. There is also a complimentary one-hour support group that meets both in person and online. Information can be accessed here: https://www.nuvancehealth.org/locations/new-milford-hospital-womens-wellness-center. Additionally, informational videos are posted on the Nuvance Health Facebook page. To find them, click on the three dots on the upper right and type “menopause” in the search.

New York

Unknown author, vectorised by user:Fenn-O-maniC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

There are emerging NY State laws aimed at standardizing menopause support. Assembly Bill A5436 aims to provide legal protections and accommodations for employees experiencing menstrual and menopausal conditions. Senate Bill S7495 establishes mandated education and studies on the impact of menopause in the workforce to develop statewide best practices. The bills are part of a national push toward supporting women’s mid-life health.

Menopause vs Androgen Decline

There is no such thing as MAN-opause. “Male Menopause” (andropause) is a misnomer. More accurately, androgen decline is the gradual, age-related reduction in male hormones. It may lead to body composition changes, hair loss, decreased libido, depression, and other ailments. “Menopause” literally means a cessation of the monthly cycle. It involves a dramatic stop in estrogen and progesterone, which ends fertility. In males, testosterone peaks in the late teens and begins declining around age 40; Male fertility is lifelong.

Seeing All Aging with the Same Lens

Aging increases the risk of hypertension, cholesterol problems, heart disease, and diabetes — all commonly discussed and normalized. Time off from a job for recovery, reduced work hours, and the expectation of lower performance are typical accommodations.

Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash

Yet, the mention of menstruation can still cause embarrassment. Once labeled “hysteria”, today’s characterizations of menopausal co-workers include vague descriptors like not being “collegial” or “collaborative”. Does the disparity in treatment of female aging conditions result from the lack of attention they receive? If a topic remains taboo, it can’t be addressed.

Education

I taught about menopause during the unit on reproduction. (If students noticed the frequency with which I put on and took off my sweater, the topic also arose!) Talking about routine hormonal changes that occur is one way to normalize them. Aging is a part of life. Menopause shouldn’t be embarrassing.

Photo by Valna Studio on Unsplash