Lauren Chiren, a 56-year-old from Bristol, transformed her personal battle with menopause symptoms into a mission to raise awareness and support for women facing similar challenges. After experiencing debilitating symptoms that led her to believe she was on the verge of early-onset dementia, Chiren’s journey took a significant turn when she discovered the true cause of her struggles.
Initially, Chiren faced a troubling array of symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety, and night sweats. Having witnessed her grandmother’s decline due to dementia, she became increasingly alarmed, believing she was following the same path. “The symptoms crept in quietly,” she recalled. “I was terrified of being seen as weak or vulnerable, judged, or quietly sidelined.”
After stepping away from her successful career in financial services, where she had thrived as an executive while raising a toddler, Chiren sought to understand her condition. The pivotal moment came when she learned that her symptoms were not indicative of dementia, but rather a natural phase of life—menopause. “First, I was shocked, then furious,” she stated. “How could I, an intelligent, health-conscious woman with a background in psychology and wellbeing, not have known?”
Chiren’s frustration became a catalyst for change. She founded Women of a Certain Stage, an organization dedicated to educating employers and creating menopause-friendly workplaces. Her efforts are particularly crucial, as a recent report from the British Standard Institution (BSI) revealed that 61% of women have never heard their employers discuss menopause support. Additionally, 20% of women globally cited menopause as a barrier to remaining in the workforce.
Chiren’s work aims to shift the conversation around menopause, emphasizing its wide-ranging impact on identity, relationships, and careers. “Menopause is not just about hot flushes and HRT,” she noted. “It affects the way people lead, love, and live. Further to that, it costs businesses billions annually in lost talent and productivity.”
The initiative gained momentum as Chiren contributed to the development of the BSI Standard for Menstruation, Menstrual Health, and Menopause in the Workplace. Her personal experiences have led her to advocate for comprehensive support systems within organizations. “No one should have to white-knuckle their way through this,” she asserted.
Chiren’s commitment to this cause has garnered international recognition. Recently, she spoke on menopause at the Sydney Opera House and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for her impactful work.
While some progress has been made, Chiren emphasizes that much work remains. “While strides have been made to accommodate menopause in the workplace, 60% of women in the workforce report never having heard their employers talk proactively about menopause support,” she explained.
She encourages women experiencing menopausal symptoms to seek help and support. “If you’re reading this and wondering if you’re ‘losing it,’ you’re likely not, but you’re probably in transition. With the right support, this stage of life can become your most powerful yet.”
For more information about Women of a Certain Stage and available resources, visit their website at https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/. Additionally, the latest report from BSI can be accessed at https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/whitepapers/future-of-work-lifting-the-second-glass-ceiling/.
