Far from being a private phenomenon, menopause affects half of the adult population: 90% of European women surveyed report experiencing symptoms during their transition.
The shortage of trained healthcare workers and the lack of adaptation in the workplace affects millions of menopausal women and costs the global economy an estimated €120 billion.
The Parliament and Besins Healthcare Germany have partnered to launch a campaign to raise awareness on this European public health issue.
Why should we talk more about menopause ?
Maria Walsh: With 229 million women living in the EU, it is unacceptable that women’s healthcare, especially menopause, has been largely excluded from policy until recently. Women across the 27 Member States must know their voices and healthcare are represented here. Menopause is a huge part of women’s lives, and policy must reflect that.
Veronika Cifrová: Women represent more than half the population, and over a billion are experiencing menopause or are post-menopausal. By 2030, 500 million women will be aged 45–55, the menopause stage. Yet awareness remains low. In Slovakia, 60% of people believe not enough attention is paid to menopause. A recent public figure speaking openly about her experience created huge public interest, showing how important it is to normalise this topic.
What is the public health and economic case for a dedicated EU menopause strategy in this parliamentary term?
MW: A dedicated EU strategy is needed now more than ever. Menopause impacts women’s lives in terms of work, caring responsibilities, and health outcomes. A funded, balanced strategy with proper education and support would ensure women are heard and supported across the EU.
VC: Such a strategy aligns with sustainable growth and gender equality. Women in menopause take sick leave twice as often as others, so prevention and awareness help reduce costs. Too often female conditions are disregarded. The gender equality committee is addressing this, as well as the inequalities in healthcare report in the FEMM committee.
Ireland recently made HRT free and opened specialist clinics. What can the EU take from Ireland’s and other countries’ strategies?
MW: Ireland has shown leadership with free HRT, specialist clinics and educational programmes. This model can be adapted across the EU so women everywhere receive affordable treatment and education. Best practice must be shared across Member States.
VC: Examples from Ireland, the UK or Spain show the power of national initiatives to raise awareness and shift attitudes. The EU can support such efforts by funding awareness campaigns, education and workplace adjustments. Seeing role models and best practices from other Member States can inspire similar action elsewhere.
What practical actions could EU institutions and Member States take to ensure basic literacy on menopause?
MW: Communication is essential. An EU strategy should be available in all 24 EU languages to ensure inclusion. Education is also key, starting early in schools so young people understand menstrual, maternal and menopause support. Women must feel seen and supported throughout their lives.
“Billions are lost to the economy because women don’t feel supported at work”
VC: We should exchange best practices from countries already taking action, and launch EU-level awareness campaigns, such as a European Menopause Week linked to World Menopause Day. Public campaigns reduce stigma, inform women, and help society better understand and support them.
Are there enough doctors who are aware of menopause symptoms?
MW: Sadly, no. Many medical professionals lack training and expertise in menopause, and this is partly due to policymakers failing to prioritise women’s healthcare. Women need timely, face-to-face access to informed medical support.
VC: There are health workforce shortages across the EU, and few professionals trained on menopause. For example, many doctors never learned about menopause in medical school. More training and screening programmes are needed to better support women.
How can the EU incite Member States to provide timely guidance to women entering perimenopause?
MW: Education and data collection are key: EU-led toolkits, campaigns and funding should help employers and policymakers provide best-in-class support for women throughout their careers. Better data will improve strategies and ensure women feel included, not excluded, in workplaces.
VC: Public awareness campaigns and EU programmes like EU4Health can fund training for medical professionals. Menopause affects an ageing Europe both socially and economically. Awareness and timely support prevent women from leaving the workforce unnecessarily.
How can the EU ensure employers support menopausal women, and how can SMEs do so without excessive burden?
MW: Billions are lost to the economy because women don’t feel supported at work. Free access to HRT and other therapies should be expanded across the EU. Better data and funding will help employers provide meaningful support.
VC: Small changes like flexible breaks, workplace adjustments, awareness, are not costly and can be supported through EU funds. If employers realise the cost of inaction outweighs action, they will adopt changes.
This issue transcends party lines. Since menopause affects all women, it avoids the usual political divides
Where are the biggest evidence gaps, and what indicators could EU4Health and Horizon Europe use to track progress?
MW: We need research and data at every stage of women’s lives. An EU Menopause Observatory could provide evidence for better policy, training and support. Education and medical research must cover the full picture of women’s health.
VC: We need stronger evidence on long-term health outcomes, HRT safety, cognitive and mental health effects, and intersectional impacts. Research programmes like MennoBrain are a start, but EU-level funding should specifically target menopause.
Is there the will to build a cross-party coalition on menopause?
MW: Yes. There is clear political appetite across groups to act on women’s health. The challenge is turning good ideas into funded, practical policies that improve women’s daily lives.
VC: This issue transcends party lines. Since menopause affects all women, it avoids the usual political divides. I believe we can build broad agreement across political groups to act. Look at this interview, with two women from two political groups.
If you could announce one concrete deliverable on menopause this parliamentary term, what would it be?
MW: An EU menopause strategy for 2026–2030. It should focus on affordable treatment, medical training and workplace standards, supported by education and campaigns accessible in all EU languages.
VC: I would like to see an EU menopause strategy. For now, I will ask the Commission to confirm whether this is on their agenda and to start the discussion.
Besins Healthcare Germany supports The Parliament’s Health Summit 2025, taking place on November 4th at the Residence Palace. Find out more about our Health Summit and register.
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