Suzanne Rath
As a 40+-year-old (technically midlife—agh!) female business owner leading a team of more than 20, I’m deeply in tune with the challenges faced by high-achieving women in their mid-30s and beyond. And the truth is, many of us are not thriving.
It’s not just anecdotal. CEOs, with an average age of 50+, are grappling with anxiety, sleep problems, and mental health issues. In 2023 alone, at least 19 CEOs died on the job. These statistics highlight how leadership roles often exacerbate the toll of midlife malaise—a phenomenon that sits at the intersection of burnout and medically related fatigue.
For women, the factors contributing to this are overwhelming: mental load, caregiver responsibilities, and hormonal changes. Industries like healthcare (for example- in physiotherapy, 70% of practitioners are female, with an average age of 38), are particularly hard hit. At any given time, far more than 50% of this workforce is operating in survival mode.
Why hormones matter:
It’s fantastic to see increased conversations about hormones on platforms like LinkedIn and through articles like Naomi Watts’ advocacy for menopause awareness. However, the reality is many women still don’t know where to turn for advice. Symptoms such as brain fog, joint pain, and anxiety are too often dismissed or misunderstood.
Perimenopause can last up to 10 years before menopause officially begins. That’s a long time to feel average while juggling the pressures of family and work. Left unaddressed, hormone imbalances don’t just impact day-to-day well-being but can lead to long-term health issues, including reduced bone density and cardiovascular risk.
The workplace consequences are real. A recent Forbes article highlighted how women in menopause are often at risk of being overlooked for leadership roles due to symptoms like brain fog and fatigue. It’s time for workplaces to get proactive, not reactive, about supporting this population.
Tips to Thrive, Not Just Survive:
1. Track Your Health
Start keeping a symptom diary to identify patterns in your sleep, mood, energy, and physical well-being. Dr Louise Newson’s menopause masterclass highlights how tracking symptoms over time can provide critical data to seek help sooner.
Yearly hormone level testing is another must. Ideally, this should begin in your mid-30s, halfway between ovulation and your next cycle. Prevention is key—don’t wait until menopause hits to take control of your hormonal health.
2. Tailored solutions, not quick fixes:
There’s no “magic pill” for midlife malaise, but you can create a health strategy that works for you:
- Nutrition: Supplements can’t replace a poor diet—Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods.
- Exercise: Incorporate weight training to support bone health and longevity.
- Medical Options: If bio-identical hormones are right for you, know that modern research shows their safety when personalized.
3. Advocate for workplace change
A positive approach to menopause in the workplace is essential. Collective education of leaders and organizations is a fantastic start. I’ve seen incredible shifts through workplace sessions, from lunch-and-learns to leadership workshops. Women thrive when their workplaces recognize the need for flexibility, health support, and understanding.
4. Protect your energy
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Strategies like setting boundaries, taking microbreaks, connecting with others, and engaging in activities that bring joy can dramatically improve how you feel. Mental health professionals can also help you navigate mood changes with support and perspective.
The leadership connection:
“Put your own oxygen mask on first.” You can’t lead others without leading yourself. Health prioritization isn’t selfish; it’s a leadership strategy. When women take control of their health, they show up stronger for their teams, families, and communities.
The workplace well-being trends of 2025, as highlighted by UNLEASH call for a different approach to health. Let’s make that approach about empowering women to thrive through midlife and beyond.
Want to reset in 2025? Join Angela Sedran & I for Renaissance in Rome- an empowering women’s leadership, strategy & well-being reset. https://www.angelasedran.com/rome
Suzanne Rath is a speaker, executive health coach & health entrepreneur based in Far North Queensland, Australia. Her mission is to inspire a million people to reclaim more vitality: by taking back just 20% more leadership of their health and lives, for more purpose, productivity and prosperity.