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HealthEXP
A non-profit healthcare think tank with a mission to improve health experiences, exponentially. Because being sick sucks but the experience doesn't have to.
What We Are
  • We create research with key insights on the lived experience of women challenged by their health
  • Our immediate focus is on improving the menopausal mental health experience at work.
Why Believe Us
  • We utilize robust insights & research methodology from the CPG industry
  • We leverage GenAI to quickly create and communicate these insights.
  • We already understand part of the Menopause in the Workplace journey
What We're Doing
  • Conducting qualitative research with consumers
  • Sharing insights and concepts openly to promote better experiences
  • May launch products to address pain points or collaborate with others who are.
What We Need
We're seeking:
  • Passionate individuals for our Core Team
  • Menopause experts for our Advisory Team
  • Corporate HR professionals to advise us on workplace value.
HealthEXP Short Term Plan
April - June
  • Formed team & Set initial focus
  • Reviewed existing research
  • Extracted Draft Insights
  • Started Journey Map
July
  • Finish Journey Map & Start Journey Board
  • Finalize Draft Research Protocol
  • Identify & test with Alpha consumers
August
  • Place study
  • Analyze & share results
  • Host menopause event
September
  • Evaluate industry signals
  • Plan/Pivot to best direction
Menopause in the Workplace
The journey through menopause affects women's workplace experience in distinct stages:
Confused by Change
In this early stage, women often feel confused, unsure, and isolated as they experience the first signs of menopause. Their bodies begin to signal change with sleep disruptions, mood fluctuations, and mental fog. Many find themselves thinking, "Is this actually menopause, or am I just imagining these symptoms?" This uncertainty leads to late-night internet searches about symptoms and constant second-guessing of their own experiences.
"It took me years to realize this was menopause and not just me falling apart."
Pushing Through
As symptoms intensify, women enter a phase of pushing through, battling exhaustion, shame, and anxiety. Their bodies struggle with persistent fatigue, night sweats, and emotional swings that seem beyond their control. The internal monologue becomes, "I have to keep it together. No one at work can know what I'm going through." This leads to overworking to compensate, carefully hiding symptoms, and avoiding asking for help even when desperately needed.
"I work so hard to hide what's really going on."
Hitting the Wall
Eventually, many women reach a breaking point where they feel completely burned out, panicked, and emotionally raw. Their physical symptoms worsen dramatically with severe insomnia and emotional breakdowns becoming more frequent. The overwhelming thought becomes, "I can't keep doing this. Something in my life has to give." This crisis often manifests in increased sick days, withdrawing from colleagues, and emotional outbursts that feel impossible to control.
"I feel like I'm at a breaking point and no one notices."
Reevaluating Work
This stage brings a profound sense of disorientation, grief, and inner conflict about career choices. The body feels constantly tired, emotionally numb, with unpredictable energy levels throughout the day. Women find themselves wondering, "Do I need to quit my job entirely? Will I ever feel like my capable self again?" This questioning leads to researching part-time positions, considering significant career changes, and weighing options that previously seemed unthinkable.
"I don't want to give up everything I've worked for, but I'm so tired."
Seeking Support
A turning point comes when women begin seeking support, experiencing relief, visibility, and encouragement perhaps for the first time in their journey. Their bodies slowly begin responding to support measures, and they develop greater awareness of their symptoms and triggers. The mindset shifts to, "I'm not alone in this experience. There might actually be a way through this difficult time." This realization prompts joining support forums, opening up to trusted colleagues, and experimenting with different coping strategies.
"It helped just knowing I wasn't the only one going through this."
Creating a New Normal
In this final stage, women begin feeling cautiously hopeful and increasingly empowered in their workplace identity. Their bodies become more predictable as they grow more attuned to their cycles and find effective ways to manage symptoms. Their perspective evolves to recognize that "This isn't about going back to who I was before—it's about moving forward into a new chapter." This acceptance leads to adapting daily routines, establishing necessary workplace boundaries, and often mentoring other women beginning their own menopause journeys.
"I'm learning to set boundaries without guilt."
Menopause in the Workplace
The journey through menopause affects women's workplace experience in distinct stages:
Anticipating Change
Feeling: Confused, unsure, isolated
Body: Sleep issues, mood swings, fog
Thinking: "Is this menopause? Am I imagining this?"
Doing: Searching symptoms online, second-guessing self
"It took me years to realize this was menopause and not just me falling apart."
Pushing Through
Feeling: Exhausted, ashamed, anxious
Body: Fatigue, night sweats, emotional swings
Thinking: "I have to keep it together. No one can know."
Doing: Overworking, hiding symptoms, avoiding help
"I work so hard to hide what's really going on."
Hitting the Wall
Feeling: Burned out, panicked, emotionally raw
Body: Severe insomnia, breakdowns, worsened symptoms
Thinking: "I can't keep doing this. Something has to give."
Doing: Calling out sick, withdrawing, emotional outbursts
"I feel like I'm at a breaking point and no one notices."
Reevaluating Work
Feeling: Disoriented, grieving, conflicted
Body: Tired, numb, erratic energy levels
Thinking: "Do I need to quit? Will I ever feel like myself again?"
Doing: Looking at part-time jobs, considering career shifts
"I don't want to give up everything I've worked for, but I'm so tired."
Seeking Support
Feeling: Relieved, seen, encouraged
Body: Slowly improving with support, more self-awareness
Thinking: "I'm not alone. There might be a way through this."
Doing: Joining forums, talking to peers, testing strategies
"It helped just knowing I wasn't the only one going through this."
Creating a New Normal
Feeling: Hopeful, cautious, empowered
Body: More in tune with cycles, symptoms managed
Thinking: "This isn't about going back—it's about moving forward."
Doing: Adapting routines, setting boundaries, mentoring others
"I'm learning to set boundaries without guilt."
Appendix
HealthEXP
Script for animated video:
  • What are we
  • We are a non-profit healthcare think tank with a mission to improve our health experience, exponentially
  • We create research with key insights on the lived experience of women challenged by their health
  • Our immediate focus is to improve the menopausal mental health experience at work
  • Why should you believe us
  • We are using the robust insights & research methodology from the Consumer Packaged Goods industry
  • We are using technologies like Generative AI to quickly build and communicate these insights
  • We already know a bit of the journey [Show video of the Menopause in the Workplace UX Journey Map]
  • What are we doing
  • We will do qualitative research with consumers
  • We will share the insights and concepts openly to all to promote a better experience
  • We might launch a product to solve for some of the pain points or work with someone who is
  • What do we need:
  • People with passion and time for our Core Team
  • People with expertise in Menopause for our Advisory Team
  • People in corporate HR to advise us on value in the workplace