The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged both the public and private sectors in Mexico to acknowledge the significant economic impact that menopause has on women. Many women aged between 40 and 60 are exiting the labor market during what should be the peak of their professional careers, leading to adverse economic consequences for the country. The call to action coincided with the release of a study titled 'Effects of the Transition to Menopause on Women's Economic Participation in Mexico,' which sheds light on these pressing issues.

A critical finding of the study indicated that there is a 30 percent wage gap between men and women in this age group, which cannot be solely explained by differences in education or work experience. Researcher Claudia Sámano Robles pointed out that this discrepancy is likely due to difficult-to-measure variables, including discrimination related to health conditions that many women face during menopause. This gap has serious implications for economic equality and highlights the need for policies aimed at supporting women during this transitional period.

The study also revealed that 67 percent of surveyed women reported that menopausal symptoms significantly affected their work performance. This underscores the need for greater awareness and potentially supportive measures from employers to help retain these experienced women in the workforce. As Mexico grapples with its economic challenges, addressing such issues could contribute to a more equitable labor market and boost overall economic productivity.