Former Snapchat GM and MyPause health founder Kathryn Carter is smashing “Cougar Puberty”, workplace shame and stigma around menopause in Australia with world-first AI and e-commerce technology disrupting the $600 billion menopause market, brought to life via Banter.
With MyPause’s science-backed TGA-approved menopause supplements going global, Kathryn is turning her attention to the workplace.
Women of per/menopausal age are the nation’s fastest-growing working demographic, up nearly 40 per cent since 1980—yet thousands are leaving careers early due to lack of support.
While US workplaces are listening to their largest workforce, many in leadership positions, and now offering a range of benefits from menopause specialists and quiet rooms, to “comfort closets” stocked with fans and deodorant—Australia lags behind.
Kathryn, 42, who experienced early menopause from 39 after seven rounds of IVF, is addressing this with Pause Time.
Driven by smart tech and the world-first AI Menopause Calendar Blocker, saying small shifts—from flexible scheduling to open discussion—can make a major difference. The smart tech tools and AI Menopause Calendar Blocker were developed by creative agency Banter.
“Brain fog is often misread as poor performance which can have devastating consequences on health, careers, and retirement savings,” she said.
“Pause Time is a simple but powerful first step to start conversations that can transform workplace culture and create an environment where women don’t have to choose between their health and their careers.”
Earlier this week, the Federal Government met women with lived experience to discuss the importance of supportive workplaces, and its 2026 menopause campaign aims to build awareness and understanding amongst women aged 35-55.
Kathryn is urging them to look to the US where “Cougar Puberty” is driving workplace reform led by midlife women, many in in leadership positions, revealing how symptoms like hot flushes, and heart palpitations affect them at work.
Employers are taking notice, introducing support to retain them including access to menopause specialists, “comfort closets” stocked with fans and deodorant, and medical coverage—and it’s working.
Data from HR consulting firm Mercer shows the share of US employers with 200 or more employees offering menopause benefits jumped to 25 per cent this year from 15 per cent in 2023.
