Menopause, the natural biological transition marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, is not just a personal or medical issue. Research shows that it is also a deeply social experience, shaped by cultural attitudes, social class, and professional environments. Women from different backgrounds experience menopause in varied ways, and these differences significantly influence their careers. For instance, women in physically demanding, inflexible, or precarious jobs often face greater challenges, such as professional withdrawal or self-exclusion from career opportunities. According to a study by researchers Sophie Hennekam, Laila Benraïss-Noailles, and Loubna Tahssain-Gay, menopause acts as a powerful revealer of existing inequalities in the workplace, highlighting how social and professional resources affect how women navigate this life stage. In France, menopause at work is slowly becoming a topic of public and political discussion, even though it affects 17 million women. Each year, around 500,000 women enter menopause, and 87% of them report experiencing some impact on their professional lives. This number is growing due to an aging workforce and delayed retirement ages. For a long time, menopause was considered a private matter, but it is now gaining attention in policy circles. In April 2025, a parliamentary report proposed 25 measures to integrate menopause into human resource policies and improve working conditions for affected employees. These proposals mark a shift in awareness, even if it comes late. The research is based on 205 interviews with working women from countries including China, South Africa, the United States, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The findings reveal that the professional effects of menopause are highly unequal and culturally influenced. In many Western contexts, menopause is often viewed through a medical lens, focusing on symptoms like fatigue or decreased performance. While these symptoms are real, this medicalized view can reinforce stereotypes and create stigma in workplaces, especially in competitive environments. In contrast, in African and Asian contexts, menopause is often seen as a social transition that can bring recognition or a new sense of self. Some women describe it as a time of personal growth, improved leadership skills, and better self-care. However, across all regions, women in physically demanding or inflexible jobs—often those with fewer opportunities to adjust their schedules or responsibilities—face the most challenges. These women are more likely to manage household duties alongside work, making it harder to cope with menopause symptoms. Many feel they lack the legitimacy or support to request accommodations at work. One interviewee described the physical strain of her job, such as helping someone bathe, as particularly difficult during menopause. The impact of symptoms on health, productivity, and presence at work is real, but the study emphasizes a less visible phenomenon: professional self-exclusion. Some women report feeling too uncertain or unconfident to pursue new opportunities, even when they have the skills. This effect is especially pronounced among women in precarious or unstable job situations. The study also highlights how menopause becomes an issue of labor organization. The difficulties women face are not just from the symptoms themselves, but from how their jobs are structured and how much support they can access. Many women do not discuss their symptoms with employers, fearing a lack of support. Organizational policies often assume that employees can adjust on their own, but this is not equally possible for everyone. Women with more resources—such as flexible hours, job security, or social support—are better equipped to manage menopause. In contrast, those in more constrained positions face greater risks of burnout and career stagnation. This underscores the need to view menopause not just as a medical issue but as a social and organizational one, requiring policies that recognize the diversity of women’s experiences and support them throughout their careers.