System failure and health inequity in plain sight: Menopause, misdiagnosis, and the cost to women's physical, social, economic, mental health and wellbeing

Women make up half of the global population, yet their health continues to be overlooked, underfunded, and insufficiently studied. At the same time, they represent 70-80% of the worldwide health care workforce. As a result, Europe is not only dealing with an ageing population but also an ageing health workforce. This means the very foundation of health care systems is itself being neglected and inadequately supported. The situation is further worsened by the lack of education on menopause among health care providers, as it is often not part of the medical curriculum. This gap in knowledge, combined with limited systemic support, leaves many women in menopause feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, and alone. The consequences for both their physical and mental well-being can be significant and concerning. That is why we are calling for multi-pronged action; i) Comprehensive Menopausal Education and Training ii) Increased Ring-Fenced Research Funding iii) Women-Led Research and Empowerment iv) Menopausal-Friendly Workplace Policies and v) Allyship of All Genders.