Menopause and Working Life in Focus
Who: KLAR - University of Bergen
What: Research program - researching menopause among women
"When we discuss menopause at public events, more and more women are stepping forward to share their stories," says Professor Silje Mæland, a researcher from the KLAR study on women's health, menopause and working life.
On a Friday evening in September, over 250 women gathered at Kulturhuset in Bergen for the event "A Woman’s Life – Confined by Hormones?". Organized by Alrek Helseklynge, Forskningsdagene i Bergen, and the KLAR study—supported by the Grieg Foundation—the event highlighted how hormones affect the female body through different stages of life. Professor Mæland, a panelist at the event, emphasized the significance of bringing research to the public.
"Events like these serve as crucial platforms for engaging with the community," says Mæland. "Communicating our research to the public is a priority for us, and we actively participate in lectures, events, and conferences to make that happen."
Communication as a Catalyst for Change
That same week, Professor Anette Fagertun from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), also a KLAR researcher, took the stage at another event, ‘The Fight for Women’s Health’. Addressing an enthusiastic audience of students and staff, she explored topics such as welfare policy, labor market structures, and how working life impacts women's health, particularly during menopause.
"Participating in forums like these are vital," Fagertun explains. "It allows us to connect with students, sparking ideas for future research, and with educators, who can integrate these discussions into their teaching. It also raises awareness that women’s health is a key area of research at HVL."
Fagertun sees communication as more than a tool for disseminating knowledge; it’s a vehicle for social dialogue. "Communication drives societal debate and fosters understanding of workplace dynamics in Norway. Our aim is to illustrate how these dynamics influence inclusion and marginalization, especially in areas like women’s health and menopause," she says. By bridging the gap between research and public understanding, Fagertun and her colleagues aim to advance empirical theory, inspire new inquiries, and build a foundation for informed policy and practice. "This work is crucial to shedding light on long-overlooked connections between health and working life," she adds.
Improving Access to Information
One of the KLAR study’s primary goals is to create a more open dialogue about menopause, both in workplaces and society at large. Achieving this requires accessible, up-to-date information. As part of this mission, KLAR has been entrusted by the Norwegian Directorate of Health to update the menopause information on the Helsenorge website—the primary public resource for verified health content in Norway.
"Helsenorge was a natural choice for disseminating information to women, healthcare professionals, and others," says Mæland. "We didn’t expect to take on this responsibility so early in our research, but the initiative demonstrates that women’s health is climbing the national priority list. It’s encouraging to see so many stakeholders working toward the same goal."
This momentum was also evident at this year’s Arendalsuka, where menopause and working life took center stage in several events. KLAR organized a panel discussion titled ‘Menopause—Women’s Way Out of Working Life?’ featuring politicians from Høyre and Ap, along with trade union leaders from LO and NHO. The packed event underscored the growing interest in the topic.
"After public events, we see an increase in women sharing their experiences and a surge in demand for more discussions," says Mæland. "This visibility has opened doors to new opportunities across the country."
Gaining Media Attention
The increased visibility has also attracted media interest. Following Arendalsuka, KLAR was featured on NRK P1's ‘Ukeslutt’ and in articles on Forskning.no. The project has gained significant coverage in newspapers and magazines during its first year. A Danish filmmaker has even reached out to include KLAR in an international documentary on menopause research, with filming scheduled for December and a premiere planned for early next year.
Empowering Future Generations
Back at Kulturhuset, Emma Djugum, a 23-year-old attendee, reflects on the evening’s impact. "Women’s health has become an important topic for me, and this event was a unique opportunity to learn about something that affects so many but remains surrounded by stigma and misinformation."
The event broadened her understanding of the physical and psychological changes associated with menopause. "I already had some knowledge, but I learned so much more tonight," says Djugum.
When asked if she feels better prepared for how menopause might influence her working life, she replies, "To some extent, yes. Awareness is key, and that’s why it’s essential to discuss menopause with people of all ages and genders. I’m grateful for events like this—they pave the way for greater understanding and acceptance. Hopefully, when the time comes, I’ll feel more equipped to navigate menopause in the workplace."
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