Menopause: Michigan's New Movement

Send us Fan MailMichigan is leading a revolutionary approach to women's health through a groundbreaking menopause policy initiative championed by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Women's Commission. Executive Director Cheryl Bergman shares how they're transforming workplace policies, healthcare access, and public education to support women through perimenopause and menopause.• The Michigan Women's Commission, established in 1968, surveys women's challenges and makes policy recommendations to address them• 60% of Governor Whitmer's executive team are women of menopausal age, bringing personal understanding to the policy initiative• Mayo Clinic research shows $1.8 billion is lost annually in productivity due to menopause symptoms• The  movement includes statewide town halls featuring menopause experts  and involves women legislators to hear directly from constituents• Top workplace policy recommendations include menopause champions in workplaces, better ventilation/cooling, and flexible schedules• $2.5 million has been recommended in the Michigan Senate budget for physician education and public awareness• Perimenopause can begin as early as age 37, making education for younger women essential• The movement is building partnerships with healthcare systems including Henry Ford and CorewellJoin our Facebook group, The Pause Diaries, for information on how to get involved with Michigan's menopause movement and connect with a supportive community of women sharing this journey.Loved this conversation? Let’s keep it going. Join our private Facebook group, The Pause Diaries, where we dive deeper into all things perimenopause and menopause—without judgment, just real talk.If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend or colleague. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Pause Podcast—your support helps us bring more expert voices to the table. Got a story, symptom, or question? Send it my way at by posting it our Facebook Group The Pause Diaries that supports the podcast. I just might feature it in an upcoming episode!Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered, and never hit pause on your wellbeing.