M.D. Judith Bildau
MD Judith Bildau is a gynecologist and management consultant
Menopause is a topic that is becoming increasingly important as our society ages. At the same time, one gets the impression that it is still a taboo subject. What is your view on this?
I share the impression that it is still a topic that people don't like to talk about. Fortunately, there is a large movement within Germany now, and also worldwide, that wants to change this. I try to support this with my work. Getting the menopause out of the taboo zone means raising awareness, challenging the outdated image, dispelling fears and supporting women who are currently going through the menopause.
How does Germany compare internationally in this respect?
My impression is that Germany is not doing so badly by international standards. This does not mean that the social and economic commitment is sufficient, but a lot has already been done and I am convinced that more will happen in the coming years. Of course, there are countries that are "pioneers". In the US, there already have been companies that support their female employees during the menopause for a long time. They organize in-house information events, offer women contact with experts and also support women with nutrition and exercise programs. In the UK, there is a certificate that endorses companies that support women during the menopause. Germany is clearly lagging here. But I also live and work in Italy and I can say quite clearly that Germany by comparison is leading in every respect concerning the menopause topic.
Do you agree with the assessment that too few gynecologists deal with the topic extensively and that obstetrics and reproductive medicine are the focus of practices?
Let's put it this way: I firmly believe that all gynecologists do their work to the best of their knowledge and belief. My colleagues in private practice in particular have my utmost respect, because they look after girls and women of all ages. They provide contraceptive advice, pregnancy care, cancer prevention and aftercare, etc. The topic of "menopause" has actually "fallen by the wayside" for a long time. I think this was also due to the fact that the "famous" WHI study from 2002 supposedly showed that hormone replacement therapies were dangerous. So the treatment options seemed very limited and consequently many women did not get adequate help. We now know that hormones, especially non-synthetic hormones, are safe and very helpful for women and I therefore hope that more will now be done for patients in medical practices too.
Many partnerships face changes and challenges during the menopause. What should men and women do to ensure that the partnership can cope with these changes?
Here, as presumably in all changing life situations, the key word is communication. Many partners feel helpless in the face of the changes that can occur during the menopause. This can of course put considerable strain on a partnership. But it can also be an opportunity to evolve together. We can consider things together: What do we want as a couple now? What do we wish for our (shared) future? It's important to keep talking and, if you can't cope alone, to seek professional help. I think it's very important that partners are also medically informed about the menopause. This can also lead to a great deal of understanding and a more intimate and improved relationship.
More and more female employees are or soon will be going through the menopause. What can companies do and is menopause also an issue for corporate health management?
We now know that it is high time to support women going through the menopause in their day-to-day work. Unfortunately, when I make this statement, I often encounter a lack of understanding from companies. It is often argued that one's own health is a "private matter", i.e. something for which the employer is not responsible. Of course, you can see it that way - but that is very short-sighted. No company that wants to be sustainable can afford to do without women going through the menopause. "Skills shortage" is an important keyword here. By 2030, ¼ of the world's population will be menopausal. The total annual economic damage caused by the absence of menopausal women already amounts to around 150 billion euros worldwide. And the trend is rising. Companies must therefore not only keep women employed, but also support and encourage them. This can be in the form of regular information events, special training for company doctors, the creation of a menopause-friendly workplace, the appointment of a menopause officer, flexitime, the option of working from home, and so on. The possibilities are many and varied and I guarantee: in the end, it's a win-win situation for everyone!
The startup scene is "discovering" the topic under the hashtag "femtech". How do you rate this development? What are good examples and what are flops?
I am delighted that women's health is now also going digital! I hope this will be of great benefit to women! Good examples are start-ups that really care about the cause, that offer women real help with digital solutions. Flops are all companies that make dubious promises in order to make a profit from the women’s plights.