Menopause costs women $150 bn/year: Study

Women lose $150 billion annually owing to healthcare cost and productivity loss due to menopause, claims a study by Ayurvedic brand Menoveda.

“Every woman on this planet will undergo menopause at some point in her life. They will be spending one-third of their life in this phase. But menopause, a crucial part of a woman’s life, is often overlooked in our society. It is not just a biological change; it is a reflection of societal shifts, familial dynamics, and personal transformations,” Tamanna Singh, co-founder, Menoveda said.

The study surveyed women in the menopausal age of 40 to 55 years across Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities in the country, capturing the diversity of experiences within urban landscapes.

According to 64 per cent of the surveyed women, menopause was affecting their work and productivity; 79 per cent said their mental and physical health was in the doldrums; 78 per cent demanded workplace policies to address the concern; and 65 per cent thought of leaving their jobs. “The economic cost of menopause is over $150 billion per year due to productivity loss and healthcare cost incurred by the women going through the process,” the study said.

Set icons symptoms of menopause. Infographic. Flat vector illustration.

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Asked about the solutions to tide over the health hazard, 7.2 per cent of the respondents said they try home remedies, while a whopping 83 per cent said they look for discreet tele-consultations to discuss their problems. The study also pointed out that 67 per cent of women were misdiagnosed by doctors, while 79 per cent feel their partners do not understand their issue, and 57 per cent are undergoing depression due to menopause.

The survey recommends development of technology and solutions that cater specifically to the needs of menopausal women, or providing financial incentives like grants and fostering collaborations between startups, established tech companies, and research institutions.