From taboo to treatment: Menopause startups address the needs of millions

Most of us know that women constitute roughly half of the US population. 

But there are some other stats you might not know: 

• By 2030, an estimated 47m women worldwide will enter menopause each year. 
• Around 25% of the US working population is affected by menopausal symptoms at any given time. 
• Thirteen percent of women have experienced an adverse work outcome related to menopause symptoms, per a 2023 study. 

Rather speak in dollars and cents? Menopause leads to an estimated $1.8B in lost work time annually — $26.6B including medical expenses, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

And the global menopause market is projected to reach $27.6B by 2033.

Now that you know the issue…

… and the opportunity, meet the menopause startups looking for solutions: 

• Alloy recently closed a $16m fundraising round for its online health care platform offering FDA-approved menopause treatments. 
• Midi lets patients book virtual visits for various women’s health issues, offering hormonal and nonhormonal prescriptions, supplements, and lifestyle coaching. 
• Evernow has a monthly membership structure that connects women to medical experts 24/7 and offers medications and mental health services. 

These services could prove invaluable for women struggling through the traditional health care system. 

Studies show that while 85% of women experience menopause symptoms, 75% of those who seek care for those symptoms don’t receive any treatment. 

More women are speaking up…

… both for better medical treatment and for support in the workplace. 

In the UK, employers can be certified as “menopause friendly” through an accreditation organization. Other companies — including Nvidia — are contracting with menopause startups to offer benefits to their employees as they do for other physical or mental health needs. 

Ultimately, talking about menopause at all is a win — and exactly the kind of change that makes room for more innovation.