A pioneering health education event titled Menopause Matters convened in Chicago, aiming to empower women navigating the complex transitions of perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Held at the city’s HIRE360 center, the event was organized in partnership with the Office of the Illinois Lieutenant Governor and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Health system. It brought together medical experts, community leaders, employers, and midlife women in a collective effort to reframe how society approaches one of the most impactful, yet under-recognized, stages in women’s health.
The significance of this initiative goes well beyond a single day. It reflects a larger shift taking root across the country—a movement toward recognizing menopause not just as a private health matter, but as a public concern affecting workforce participation, healthcare access, and quality of life for millions of women. With life expectancy rising and women spending nearly a third of their lives in post-menopausal years, experts argue that the time has come for policy and healthcare systems to treat this phase with the same attention and resources afforded to pregnancy, childbirth, or mental health.
Among the event’s featured speakers was Dr. Pauline Maki, a renowned expert in psychiatry, psychology, and obstetrics and gynecology, whose work at UIC has helped lead national conversations about cognitive health, hormone therapy, and women’s aging. Dr. Maki addressed the wide range of symptoms that women may face—including hot flashes, mood changes, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and sexual health challenges—while offering science-backed insights on treatment options. Her message to attendees was clear: menopause may be a natural transition, but that does not mean it should be endured in silence or without proper medical support.
Attendees included women in their 40s and 50s seeking answers, support, and empowerment. They were joined by employers, nonprofit leaders, and healthcare providers interested in how to build menopause-friendly environments both at home and at work. Interactive sessions explored strategies for self-advocacy in medical appointments, how to communicate symptoms without shame, and how organizations can better support women experiencing midlife health shifts. Conversations were candid and often emotional, as participants shared personal stories of feeling overlooked, misdiagnosed, or dismissed.
One of the core goals of the Menopause Matters event was to eliminate the stigma that still surrounds menopause in many professional and cultural contexts. Despite affecting nearly every woman, menopause remains largely absent from workplace wellness programs and is rarely discussed openly in public discourse. Organizers stressed that this silence has consequences—not only for individual health outcomes but also for economic productivity, mental well-being, and health equity. Women who lack adequate support during menopause are more likely to leave the workforce, experience chronic stress, and struggle to manage co-occurring conditions like osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease.
The Chicago event also emphasized the intersectional nature of menopause experiences. Research presented at the session showed that women of color, women from lower-income communities, and those with limited access to quality healthcare often experience more severe symptoms and fewer options for care. Advocates argued for more inclusive public health campaigns and culturally competent care models that address the disparities in menopause outcomes. This means not only making hormone therapy and other treatments more accessible but also ensuring that education, language, and outreach strategies meet women where they are.
Beyond the clinical aspects, the event tackled broader questions of policy and workplace culture. As more companies explore ways to retain and support women across all life stages, menopause is gaining attention as a key area for intervention. Forward-thinking employers are beginning to implement flexible leave policies, training for managers, and health benefits that specifically address menopause-related needs. The goal is to normalize the conversation and ensure that midlife health is not a barrier to career advancement or personal fulfillment.
For many participants, the day concluded with a sense of relief and renewed purpose. Women who had long felt isolated by their symptoms found community and validation. Employers gained tools to create more inclusive environments. Healthcare providers left with a deeper appreciation for the nuances of midlife care. And perhaps most importantly, the event helped to lay the groundwork for continued action—both locally in Chicago and nationally—as momentum builds around improving the visibility and quality of menopause care.
In the broader context of women’s health, Menopause Matters represents more than just an event; it is a signal that the silence around midlife transitions is finally breaking. As society continues to evolve its understanding of gender, aging, and health equity, supporting women through menopause must be part of that progress. Chicago’s leadership in this space sets a powerful precedent for other cities and states to follow, proving that when experts, policymakers, and communities come together, real change is not only possible—it’s already beginning.
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