June 27, 2026
Brooke Burke highlights something that often goes unsaid about menopause: “It can be sexy.” Yet for her, this journey wasn’t all about empowerment—initially, it felt quite the opposite. Like countless others, she experienced symptoms that crept in quietly, soon becoming impossible to overlook.
“I found myself grappling with brain fog, fatigue, and sleepless nights… and I wondered, is this just what my 40s feel like?” Burke shares, a sentiment many women share before understanding that hormonal changes could be part of the picture, which often leads to seeking out treatment options.
For numerous women, grasping the reasons behind these symptoms tends to begin with learning about shifting hormone levels.
Burke points out the toughest part wasn’t merely the symptoms—it was the pervasive silence around them. “There wasn’t a proper vocabulary for it. A little bit of shame, a hint of mystery… people just didn’t talk about it.” Until now.
The hidden career impact
A recent survey involving over 1,000 U.S. women reveals how significant this issue is:
- Almost 20% of women reported leaving a job or retiring early due to menopause symptoms.
- 62% indicated that their symptoms affected their job performance and career advancement.
- These symptoms account for an estimated $5.4 billion in lost productivity annually.
Now, Burke is using her voice to advocate for a new Menopause Time Off initiative, shedding light on the struggles women face in the workplace.
Burke explains that her experience with menopause was vast and often brushed off, but her biggest frustration stemmed from being told these changes were “normal.”
“When women think something is ‘normal,’ they just deal with it,” she asserts. “I don’t think that’s right. There’s so much we can do.”
The turning point
Burke credits a significant change for regaining her sense of self: more thorough hormone testing and treatment. “When I started HRT, it completely transformed my experience,” she says. “It helped me understand what was going on in my body.”
Her advice? Simple yet impactful:
“Be a detective of your own body.”
Rather than making guesses, Burke emphasizes the importance of understanding the body’s specific needs regarding hormones and stress recovery.
What actually helped
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, Burke identifies a handful of essential habits that made a real difference:
- Strength training: “I’m lifting heavier—not just to build muscle, but to protect it.”
- Prioritizing sleep: “We need sleep to recover. That’s essential.”
- Choosing lower-impact activities: Favors like yoga and walking over high-intensity stuff.
- Hormone testing: “It’s based on science—you don’t have to guess.”
Listening to her body each day is critical, as Burke notes. “How do I feel when I wake up—and why? That question can change everything,” she explains.
Why the workplace conversation matters
Burke also contributes to a broader effort to change how menopause is perceived in work environments, where symptoms frequently go unacknowledged.
“We take time off for mental health,” she states. “Why aren’t we supporting women during menopause?”
Advocates are pushing for more flexibility, improved policies, and open dialogues—especially as women navigate what Burke refers to as a “decade-long phase of life.”
If you are going through similar challenges, gathering data instead of relying on guesswork could be crucial. Discover Hone Health’s menopause support tools and testing options to create a plan tailored for you.
What is menopause time off (MTO)?
A proposed workplace policy that allows women to take flexible or symptom-related leave during menopause, akin to mental health days.
How does menopause affect work performance?
Symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and insomnia can hinder productivity, interfere with focus, and even affect promotions or pay.
What are the most common menopause symptoms?
- Brain fog
- Sleep disruption
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Mood shifts
Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) safe?
HRT can be beneficial for many women, but it’s essential to consult with a doctor to understand individual risks and benefits.
How can you test hormone levels at home?
At-home biomarker tests analyze hormone levels through blood samples, providing insights reviewed by physicians.
