A groundbreaking Stanford University study, led by economist Dr. Petra Persson, has shed new light on a critical but often overlooked issue: the economic impact of menopause on working women.

“The economic losses for working women in menopause are substantial,” says Dr. Persson. “For decades, social scientists have analyzed the ‘motherhood penalty,’ but until now, we haven’t known what the financial consequences are for women at the other end of the reproductive spectrum, when they enter menopause.”

Key Findings:

• Women who seek medical care for menopause symptoms experience an average 10% decline in earnings within four years—largely due to reduced working hours or leaving the workforce entirely.

• The impact is most significant for women who work in smaller, private-sector companies.

• Approximately 85% of women experience menopausal symptoms, which typically begin between ages 45 and 55 and can persist for a decade or more.

• These symptoms—ranging from hot flashes and sleep disturbances to brain fog, mood changes, and fatigue—can significantly affect productivity and overall quality of life.

Why BHRT Matters:

This research underscores the urgent need for supportive healthcare options like Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). BHRT can:

• Alleviate disruptive menopausal symptoms

• Improve mental clarity, sleep, and energy

• Support mood balance and libido

• Help women remain active in their personal and professional lives

By restoring hormonal balance, BHRT not only improves health and well-being but also helps protect women from the long-term financial consequences of untreated menopause.

At Flow Wellness in Bend, we offer personalized BHRT plans guided by Dr. Shena Vander Ploeg, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor who integrates holistic and conventional care. Her approach empowers women to take control of their health during this transitional stage of life—both in the exam room and in the workplace.

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