Telehealth provider Gennev is solely dedicated to helping women through menopause – and the results of their recently released Menopause Zeitgeist survey prove that advice is essential. Ninety-four percent of survey respondents said they don’t receive enough support to manage symptoms, and only one in three believe their partner fully “gets it”. Ninety-nine percent of respondents to another Gennev survey of 2,500 active postmenopausal women found that the benefits of workplace menopause care are unknown. We asked experts how women can be their own best advocates and got these tips:

Be honest with your family and friends.

Gennev co-founder and CEO Jill Angelo, 48, suggests explaining exactly how you feel and what you need for your loved ones. That way, “when you’re grumpy after a sleepless night or get angry quickly, they don’t take it the wrong way.”

Express yourself at work.

Angelo, a former Microsoft executive, recommends talking about hormonal events like you would any other health issue. “Don’t be afraid to ask about later start times if it allows you to be more productive” when insomnia and night sweats tear you apart. Ask HR if existing vacation or leave policies can be used to manage menopause-related symptoms or if appointments with specialists are reimbursable.

Look for the right care.

Do you have the impression that your doctor is bluffing you or that he is late? Use the Find a Menopause Practitioner feature of the NAMS website at Menopause.org to locate a nearby provider who practices menopause management. Burney-Scott also encourages members of often marginalized groups, such as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and broad gender people, to seek out providers who “understand that health disparities exist due to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and other forms of systemic problems”. oppression.” Try BlackDoctor247.com or visit the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association website (glma.org).