{"id":28056,"date":"2025-05-15T19:34:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T19:34:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/?p=28056"},"modified":"2025-07-07T17:51:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T17:51:59","slug":"how-womens-health-benefits-can-support-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/blog\/fertility-in-the-workplace\/how-womens-health-benefits-can-support-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Women\u2019s Health Benefits Can Support Mental Health at Every Life Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Crucial life milestones for women in the workforce\u2014ranging from preconception and fertility to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause\u2014are often accompanied by a significant mental health burden. And while it\u2019s now widely recognized that women\u2019s health includes<\/em> mental health, these pivotal stages are still frequently overlooked in the design of workplace benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too often, traditional benefit structures treat mental health and women\u2019s health as separate concerns\u2014further fragmenting a care journey that\u2019s already disjointed and difficult to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For benefit leaders, the opportunity is clear: supporting women\u2019s mental health means offering the right women\u2019s health benefits\u2014those that are integrated, comprehensive, and designed to meet women\u2019s needs across every stage of life. It\u2019s not just the right thing to do\u2014it\u2019s a smart investment in the well-being, retention, and performance of the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See how mental health plays a critical role across these five key stages in the women\u2019s healthcare journey\u2014and what it takes to build a benefit strategy that truly supports women at every stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Preconception<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mental health and preconception exist in a powerful bidirectional relationship that significantly impacts outcomes. Approximately 20% of women of reproductive age experience mental health conditions<\/a>. Simultaneously, fertility challenges themselves trigger mental health issues, with up to 60% of women developing significant anxiety<\/a>. Compounding this, less than <\/strong>14% of women in the U.S. receive preconception care<\/a> \u2013 a critical opportunity to proactively address physical and mental health risks early, before they impact outcomes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the right women\u2019s health benefits in place, preconception support starts as soon as a person or couple is thinking about building their family\u2014providing members with personalized guidance, educational resources, and proactive support from dedicated care advocates. All in an effort to lighten the mental load on those thinking about starting a family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once a woman is ready to conceive, a new set of difficulties can emerge with profound implications for a women’s mental health. Infertility affects one in six people globally<\/a>, and 61% of people say it\u2019s more stressful than divorce<\/a>. The impact of the emotional burden is far-reaching\u2014from treatment outcomes, lifestyle, and work productivity\u2014 63% of those experiencing infertility report lower productivity<\/a> due to stress. For 74% – fertility is the first time they\u2019ve had to navigate a complex condition<\/a>, and the insurance to cover it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A women\u2019s health benefit with consistent, empathetic support that helps members access mental health resources, navigate treatment options, and manage costs offers priceless relief during a time that is often isolating and overwhelming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Pregnancy\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This chapter brings emotional, hormonal, and logistical changes, from preparing for leave to managing mental health before and after birth<\/a>. Increasing the urgency for proactive mental health support during this time is the fact that one in seven pregnant women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), with more than 75% of those impacted not getting the treatment they need. Left without support, this additional mental strain can have a profound impact on maternal-fetal outcomes, increasing the risk of preterm birth and skyrocketing healthcare costs. Costs that further compound the mental strain by adding financial anxiety.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A maternity benefit with personalized navigation and unlimited support from nurses, lactation consultants, and doulas can provide birthing parents and partners with peace of mind\u2014and ensures early intervention when health concerns arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Postpartum and Parenthood\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The postpartum period presents one of the highest-risk windows for mental health crises in a woman’s lifetime, with cascading effects on recovery, child development, and workplace reintegration. Approximately 10-20% of women experience clinical postpartum depression<\/a>, while up to 75% report some sort of baby blues. Despite this prevalence, 60% of affected women never receive a formal diagnosis or treatment<\/a>. Add in balancing back to work<\/a>, and it\u2019s no wonder new parents are at higher risk of complications that negatively impact not just their own health, but that of their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A trusted support system that has been integrated into the journey since the beginning creates a low-lift, high-impact lifeline new parents can count on during a period of immense uncertainty. With comprehensive, personalized support to address the unique challenges parents face, members embarking on this stage of life will feel empowered to thrive at work and home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Menopause\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Menopause hits women at the height of their careers \u2013 and can last up to 10 years. That means women can live with debilitating symptoms like depression and brain fog for up to 40%<\/a> of their lives. In fact, 33.5% of women experience depression<\/a> during perimenopause, and up to 62% describe cognitive difficulties<\/a> affecting executive function. This chips away at their confidence and exacerbates the mental strain. It\u2019s no wonder nearly 60% report missing work due to symptoms<\/a>. And despite the fact that 20% of the female workforce is experiencing menopause at any given time<\/a>, stigma and lack of awareness is a huge contributing factor to senior-level attrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a women\u2019s health benefit that includes midlife care, members gain access to education that reduces the stigma around menopause and encourages open conversation\u2014an essential step in supporting mental well-being. Combined with care from OB-GYNs, nurses, and nutritionists who specialize in menopausal health, women can find relief sooner, manage symptoms more effectively, and feel mentally supported through this significant life stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too often, women\u2019s health is treated in fragments \u2014 reactive solutions to isolated symptoms. But when HR leaders understand how mental health impacts outcomes throughout the full continuum, they\u2019re in a better position to offer benefits that make a real impact. This means going beyond symptom management and offering comprehensive support that builds the trust needed to deliver proactive care, improve outcomes, and keep great people in the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to learn more about how Progyny supports women\u2019s health at every stage? Explore our webinars and insights or get in touch for a personalized consultation.<\/h4>