Women's mental health resources should support them through every health challenge

Women's mental health: addressing distinct challenges and effects in the workforce

Mental health is vital for overall well-being and is influenced by many factors. For women, unique biological influences—such as menopause, reproductive conditions, and certain cancers—affect their mental health in distinct ways.¹

The mental health of female employees is a workforce issue with tangible consequences. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women make up ~57% of the American workforce.² When their unique physical and mental health needs go unmet, employers see increased absenteeism, lower productivity, and higher turnover rates. Addressing women’s health holistically can improve engagement, boost morale, and foster innovation.

Impact of life stages on women's mental health

Mental health support during pregnancy is vital

Meet Kellie, who received the mental health support she needed throughout her high-risk pregnancy.

Hormones, fertility, and pregnancy

The menstrual cycle itself can significantly affect mood, energy levels, and cognitive function, with symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and depression most pronounced during the premenstrual phase. According to a report from the Office on Women’s Health, approximately 75% of women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), while up to 8% are affected by the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),³ which is associated with substantial mood disturbances and functional impairment.

Pregnancy introduces a distinct set of mental health challenges, including heightened risk for prenatal anxiety and depression. For those experiencing high-risk pregnancies, the mental health burden is even more acute. The heightened uncertainty, frequent medical interventions, and concerns for both parent and baby contribute to increased rates of anxiety and depression, compounding the challenges already present during this life stage. 

Fertility treatments can profoundly impact mental health, as the emotional strain of uncertainty, repeated medical procedures, and fluctuating hopes often leads to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. According to a study from The Journal of Nurse Practitioners, current evidence indicates higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among individuals who are experiencing infertility, and those seeking assisted reproductive technologies often meet criteria for major psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and dysthymia.⁴

Post-natal

The stage after giving birth—sometimes referred to as the "fourth trimester”—can be marked by mood fluctuations, fatigue, and, for some, an increased vulnerability to conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety. While postpartum depression is widely recognized, it is also important to note that postpartum psychosis, though rare, can occur in the weeks following childbirth, presenting as hallucinations, delusions, or severe confusion, and requiring urgent medical intervention to ensure the safety of both parent and child.⁵

Perimenopause and menopause

Menopause marks another significant transition, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and changes in metabolism. These changes can heighten the risk for anxiety, mood swings, and depressive episodes, particularly for those with a prior history of mental health concerns. The American Psychological Association highlights that up to 20% of women experience depressive symptoms during perimenopause and menopause,⁶ and many report feeling overwhelmed by emotional and cognitive changes—sometimes described as “brain fog.” 

In the post-menopausal period, ongoing hormonal shifts may contribute to lingering mood disturbances and increased vulnerability to conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease,⁷ underscoring the importance of comprehensive support that addresses both physical and psychological well-being during and after this life stage.

Mental health and women-specific conditions and illnesses

Endometriosis

The Endometriosis Foundation of America reports that women with the disease are twice as likely to experience depression and three times as likely to face anxiety,⁸ due in part to chronic pain and fatigue, necessitating frequent absences and impairing workplace productivity.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, also carries a significant mental health burden. Studies show women with PCOS are up to three times more likely to experience depressive symptoms than their peers without the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2023, PCOS affected approximately 1 in 10 women in the United States. Furthermore, more than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by age 40 further impacting medical costs.⁹

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the US, after skin cancer. It's also the second-leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). According to the American Cancer Society^®, about 1 in 8 women will get invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.¹⁰ The American Cancer Society also found that nearly 30% of women with breast cancer experience anxiety and depressive symptoms, often exacerbated by concerns about body image, fertility, and mortality.⁷ The psychological toll extends to those facing uterine or ovarian cancer, with the National Institutes of Health underscoring the need for integrated mental health support during and after treatment.¹¹

The women's health gap: an ongoing challenge

According to a recent Commonwealth Fund report, one notable concern within the women’s health gap is the delayed diagnosis of heart disease—the number one killer of women in the U.S.—compared to men.^12,13 This disparity is often attributed to the longstanding misconception that heart disease is a “male” condition, combined with the fact that women frequently present with subtler or atypical symptoms—such as fatigue or nausea—rather than the classic chest pain. As a result, their symptoms may be overlooked or misattributed, contributing to an increased risk of complications and poorer mental health.

Access to care is another critical factor. The KFF highlights disparities in insurance coverage, affordability, and availability of female-specific mental health services. Women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and those in low-income communities face even steeper barriers, amplifying stress and reducing opportunities for optimal wellness.¹⁴

A study from the World Economic Forum (the Forum) in collaboration with the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) shows that closing the women’s health gap represents an opportunity to add $1 trillion to the global GDP annually by 2040.¹⁵ This economic growth would result from increased productivity, with women having fewer health conditions and a greater capacity to contribute to society.