By Sarah Ahmad, CEO, CAQH
As women, we are often expected to juggle multiple roles—mother, daughter, partner, professional—while also managing our health. For those of us entering midlife, this balancing act is compounded by the changes of perimenopause and menopause. Despite being a natural part of aging, many women struggle to access the support and care they need during this pivotal time.
During my keynote session at CAQH Connect, alongside a panel of experts, I had the privilege of discussing the challenges women face as they navigate their health in midlife, while simultaneously caring for their families and advancing their careers. It is a conversation that we must normalize, and as a healthcare data company, CAQH has a vital role to play in addressing these challenges through data-driven solutions.
The Challenges of Women's Health in Midlife
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) projected that by 2030, the U.S. will face a shortage of over 5,000 OBGYNs, significantly impacting women's access to care for menopause and perimenopause. This shortage will be most deeply felt in the South, Midwest, and West. With so many women—often at the height of their careers—struggling to find time to focus on their own health, this is an issue we cannot ignore.
Perimenopause and menopause bring about numerous health risks, including increased chances of cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and more. Beyond the physical effects, there’s a toll on mental and emotional health—insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, and even hair loss are common struggles that many women, myself included, face.
During our discussion, Dr. Gigi Girard from Norton Healthcare shared her own experiences, both as a clinician and a woman going through these changes. Her candor about the emotional and physical challenges of perimenopause was eye-opening, shedding light on the often-overlooked impact it has on women’s well-being. The honesty we bring to these conversations is critical to breaking down the stigma around women's health.
Data Can Drive Better Care
At CAQH, we hold data on 4.8 million healthcare providers, which allows us to identify trends and gaps in the healthcare system. Data, in this case, is key to getting in front of the challenges women face. From tracking where providers are located to pinpointing the shortage of OBGYNs, data can help healthcare leaders understand where the greatest needs lie and take action.
But the challenge doesn’t stop at provider availability. As Janine Versi of Elektra Health highlighted during our discussion, there are hidden costs associated with not addressing menopause symptoms early. A Mayo Clinic study puts numbers on that cost: an estimated $1.8 billion in lost work time per year and $26.6 billion annually when medical expenses are added, in the U.S. alone. This emphasizes the importance of early intervention—not only for reducing healthcare costs but also for improving women's quality of life.
At CAQH, we can leverage our data capabilities to support solutions like telemedicine, where women can access care virtually. This ensures that even in areas with provider shortages, women still have the opportunity to receive the care they need. It's about making healthcare more accessible and efficient, and using data to lead the way.
Embracing New Models of Care
During my session, I shared my own positive experience with a nurse practitioner. Like many women, I had always seen an MD for my gynecological care, but this time I opted for a nurse practitioner—and I was blown away by the level of comprehensive, coordinated care I received. This experience opened my eyes to the untapped potential of alternative care models, such as working with nurse practitioners and virtual care providers.
We need to think outside the box and push for solutions that make healthcare more accessible. We also need to break the traditional mindset that care must come from one specific type of provider. Nurse practitioners, allied health professionals, and telehealth can all play a crucial role in supporting women through the menopausal transition.
A Call to Action
In our discussion, Dr. Pat Alagia highlighted that menopause isn't something to be 'fixed,' but rather a natural part of life that requires understanding and support. He emphasized the importance of shifting the healthcare approach from merely reacting to symptoms to embracing menopause as a stage that requires holistic care for both women and their families.
For healthcare leaders, the call to action is clear: we need to leverage data to predict where gaps in care will arise, and work to address them before they affect millions of women. For health plans and employers, we must recognize the financial and human costs of untreated menopause symptoms and invest in early interventions. And for all of us, it's time to normalize conversations around women's health and provide support to those balancing the demands of work, family, and their own well-being.
At CAQH, we are committed to using our data to help healthcare providers and payers deliver the best care possible, particularly for women navigating this often-overlooked stage of life. Let's ensure that as we advance in our careers and family responsibilities, we also have the care we need to thrive.
Watch the full keynote panel on women’s health here and join the conversation about how we can all better support women’s health in midlife.