From Stigma to Support: Advocating for Women’s Health”.
For many of us, hormonal health is a silent struggle and can feel like the world’s worst-kept secret. Everyone experiences it in some form, yet we rarely discuss it openly, especially in professional settings. My hormone journey was a rollercoaster (and not the fun kind). I spent over a decade bouncing between doctors, misdiagnoses, and countless moments of self-doubt, wondering if what I was experiencing was “normal.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
The lack of open dialogue and support made me question my own reality. Fast forward to today, I have finally found clarity and a proper diagnosis. And while that has been a huge relief, it has also ignited a passion in me to ensure others don’t feel as lost and unsupported as I once did. It is crazy to think so many go through the ups and downs alone, that we try to cover the way we are feeling to not be seen as ‘complaining’. We shouldn’t fear that addressing our health might impact our careers or personal life. Let’s be real…this is our health, not a side note.
Introducing the Hormonal Lunch: A Safe Space for Open Conversations
Last month, I stepped far out of my comfort zone to host the first-ever Hormonal Lunch. The idea? Create a safe space where women could openly discuss hormonal health challenges like peri/menopause, PCOS, and all the other ups and downs that often go unspoken. Was I nervous? Absolutely. But was it worth it? 100%.
We brought together an incredible group of strong, inspiring women to share stories, laugh, and most importantly, realise that none of us are alone in this (and we really weren’t those 1000 different hormonal nuances that you think you are the only one suffering with, guess what you aren’t…phew!). But what struck me most was how empowering it felt to have these conversations openly. Hormonal health is universal, yet so often brushed under the carpet, leaving women to navigate it in silence.
The best part…Many who came along shared that this was the first time they felt validated, seen and heard. It reinforced for me that these conversations matter, not just for those of us experiencing hormonal shifts, but for creating a culture of empathy and understanding in workplaces and beyond and raising awareness. Why? Because all we need is a bit of validation, a safe space, and maybe a coffee or two to feel like we’re not alone.
The Step UP
Supporting women’s health in the workplace can’t just be about ‘ticking’ boxes or drafting a written policy that no one reads and to copy-paste some lines into the employee handbook and call it a day. It requires a deep, actionable understanding of what support truly looks like. Women experiencing hormonal health challenges, whether it’s peri/menopause, PCOS, IVF or other issues, it needs more than a line in the employee handbook; they need real, tangible support.
This means creating a culture where women feel safe to speak up without fear of judgment or stigma. It’s about equipping managers with the knowledge to have empathetic conversations and empowering teams to adapt to the needs of their colleagues. Real support might look like flexible working arrangements during tougher days, providing access to resources such as counseling or wellness programs, or simply acknowledging that hormonal health challenges are as valid as any other health condition.
Companies that step up and embrace this approach won’t just retain their talent, they’ll create a ripple effect of loyalty, productivity, and trust, regardless of someone’s health journey, but an environment where you can thrive. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. And progress starts with moving beyond policy and committing to genuine action. The companies that understand this will be the ones to set the standard for workplace inclusivity and well-being.
While individual awareness is a huge step forward, there is also a critical need for systemic change. The workplace, where many of us spend most of our time, can be either a place of support or another layer of stress. And the stakes are high. Nearly half the workforce is navigating hormonal related challenges. Yet, workplace policies often fail to address this reality.
Fortunately, some companies are leading the way:
- Startups in Women’s Health: Companies like Organon and Elvie are creating innovative solutions for hormonal health, from tracking devices to targeted treatments.
- Tech’s Role: Health tech platforms are revolutionising how women manage their hormonal health, offering apps for symptom tracking, telehealth consultations, and AI-driven diagnostics.
- Policy Progress: Forward-thinking organisations are implementing menopause policies, flexible working arrangements, and employee health programs focused on women’s well-being.
These efforts highlight that change is happening, but it needs to scale.
What’s Next? Building Awareness and Inspiring Action
The Hormonal Lunch was just the beginning. My mission is to keep the conversation going, to continue creating spaces where these conversations can happen openly and authentically and supporting companies embrace it. I also want to continue to champion the companies and individuals making real strides in this space.
This is about more than hormones, it is about wellbeing, empowerment, and creating environments where everyone can thrive. Whether it is sharing your story, advocating for workplace change, or supporting innovative women’s health initiatives, we all have a role to play.
So, let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s make hormonal health a normal topic, not just for women but for everyone. And let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made while pushing for even more.
If you’d like to join the next Hormonal Lunch or share your own story, drop me a message. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and make sure no one feels alone on this journey.
Because supporting women’s health isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.
