Fashion Industry Faces Menopause: Breaking the Silence

Fashion designer Maria Cornejo was 46 when she began experiencing perimenopause symptoms — the build-up to menopause, which lasts anything from 4 to 10. “I started having hot flushes, but what got to me most was the anxiety and mood swings,” she says. “It coincided with having a big job, running a company, and having a family. Menopause is the perfect storm for a lot of women.”

Menopause in the Workplace

Awareness is growing about the impact of perimenopause and menopause on women in the workplace. In the UK, about 17% of women experiencing menopause consider leaving work due to the lack of support, and around 6% actually do, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). British employers can now be sued for discrimination if they fail to make “reasonable adjustments” for women going through menopause, under guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) earlier this year. A 2023 survey by The Mayo Clinic found that menopause costs women in the US around $1.8 billion a year in lost working time.

Despite growing awareness, the fashion and beauty industries still largely avoid discussing menopause openly. These industries, dominated by women at the lower ranks but glorifying youth, often push conversations about menopause behind closed doors. Some women fear mentioning menopause due to potential ageism, affecting their job prospects and professional reputation.

The Industry's Silence

“Our parents were gearing up to retire at 60, so menopause signalled the last leg of their careers. That’s not the case anymore, but there is still a sense of struggling to feel relevant and find your place,” says executive career consultant Tracy Short, who quit working at a luxury retail executive search firm after being diagnosed as perimenopausal a decade ago.

Fashion journalist Sujata Assomull highlights the pervasive ageism in the industry, recalling how menopause impacted her self-esteem and physical appearance, leading to negative comments from peers. The culture of promoting thinness in fashion is particularly damaging, as menopause accelerates bone density loss, putting women at higher risk of osteoporosis.

Menopause Products and Awareness

There is a growing market for menopause-focused products. Yet, discussing menopause openly remains challenging.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Menopause can involve 48 recognized symptoms, both cognitive and physical, making it challenging to diagnose and manage. Many women misinterpret their symptoms, leading to unnecessary tests and delayed treatment. Menopause specialist Dr. Louise Newson emphasizes the health risks of untreated menopause, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes, which can further impact work performance.

Fashion businesses that fail to support menopausal employees risk losing experienced talent. Investing in menopause policies is cost-effective compared to replacing employees who leave due to lack of support. Implementing menopause policies can reassure employees that they are valued as human beings, not just resources.

Practical Steps for Employers

To support menopausal employees, companies should:

• Conduct an audit of the work environment to ensure it accommodates menopausal symptoms.

• Allow flexible work schedules, breaks, and access to water and bathroom facilities.

• Use breathable fabrics for uniforms and provide cooling options for those experiencing hot flushes.

Some companies are already making strides to educate about hormonal health and certify products free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Industry Leaders Taking Action

In 2021, Asos introduced policies supporting employees through health-related life events, including menopause. Burberry launched a dedicated menopause support site, and Estée Lauder Companies partnered with digital health app Peppy to offer one-to-one consultations with menopause experts. However, such initiatives are mostly limited to larger companies, with smaller brands often lacking the resources to implement similar policies.

The Path Forward

With the right support, menopause doesn’t have to signal the end of women’s careers. Addressing the stigma and biases around menopause through education, awareness, and substantial support can help women navigate this phase effectively. As Assomull says, “Menopause can be the start of a whole new, more energized phase of life.”