LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s latest government-backed report declares menopause “a movement,” but behind the slogans is a clear takeaway: a lot of women feel unprepared, unsupported, and under-discussed.
The Michigan Women’s Commission (MWC) engaged more than 2,500 Michigan women across the state, surveyed hundreds and held statewide events. In the end, they concluded that most women aren’t getting basic information from doctors or workplaces. That’s not exactly groundbreaking – but now it’s official in the state’s 32-page report titled “The Menopause Memorandum. Menopause: It’s a Movement!”
From webinar to statewide push.
Menopause: It’s a Movement! is an education and advocacy effort aimed at helping Michigan women navigate menopause – at work, in healthcare, and at home. The initiative grew out of what the state calls a rising demand for support, highlighted by a May 2023 webinar hosted by the Michigan Women’s Commission and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
According to the report, to “deepen engagement and elevate the issue statewide,” the MWC convened a series of 13 community conversations beginning in March 2025, alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and actress Halle Berry. These conversations amplified women’s lived experiences and informed a statewide call to action. Gov. Whitmer subsequently charged the MWC with positioning Michigan as a national leader in midlife women’s health and menopause policy.
The 15-member Michigan Women’s Commission was created by statute in 1968. Commission duties include reviewing the status of women in Michigan, directing attention to critical problems confronting women, and recognizing women’s accomplishments and contributions to the state. Commissioners are appointed by the governor and serve three-year terms.
Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is 54 years old, said in the report, “Midlife women’s health and menopause are economic, health, and community issues – and we can no longer ignore them. I encourage employers and lawmakers alike to read the report, listen to these voices, and help women thrive during this important stage of life.”
Workplaces feeling the heat.
The report paints a picture of workplaces struggling to keep up. Employees want flexibility, better conditions, and better access to water and bathrooms. At the same time, many women say they’d rather suffer in silence than to bring up the topic at work.
Five top takeaways from the report:
- Women are largely in the dark – About 60% of respondents said they have little to no knowledge of menopause or perimenopause, and many said their doctors hadn’t even discussed it.
- Workplaces are behind the curve – Only 8% were satisfied with their workplace menopause resources, and fewer than 1 in 5 have felt comfortable enough to even talk about it at work.
- It’s affecting the workforce – The report suggests menopause symptoms could be pushing roughly 16,500 Michigan women out of the workforce annually.
- Suggestions for Employers – Recommendations include remote work options, better temperature control, and better access to cold water and restrooms.
- Policy push is underway – The effort has already influenced multiple bills in Michigan and is being framed as both a health and economic issue.
When asked what they would change with a magic wand, panelists answered: greater education and public awareness; improved access to medical care; and holistic and personalized treatment approaches for physical, mental and social health needs.
How much has the state spent on menopause issues?
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The amount of taxpayer dollars that the Whitmer administration has spent on their menopause tour around the state and the accompanying study to produce this menopause memo is unknown. The report itself lists corporate sponsors such as Bayer, Aetna, Consumers Energy and Molina Healthcare.
The Michigan Women’s Commission, housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, has a base appropriation of about $1.5 million, while additional program funding referenced in budget documents reached about $3 million in both FY 2023–24 and FY 2024–25.
Policy pipeline warming up.
Seven bills have been introduced that are tied to the menopause issue, with calls for more education, insurance coverage, and workplace rules. In other words, what started as a health conversation has turned into a legislative agenda.
No one disputes that women deserve better information and support, but whether that requires a statewide campaign, corporate-backed studies, and a growing stack of legislation is another question entirely. In an era where women can pull up answers on Google or ChatGPT in seconds – and where many workplace fixes are as simple as a fan on the desk or a quick break – it raises the question of whether Lansing is overengineering and overspending on something most women are fully capable of managing on their own.
