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Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Work: Findings from Women in the Health and Employment after Fifty (HEAF) Study

Author

Listed:
  • Stefania D’Angelo

    (MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Gregorio Bevilacqua

    (MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Julia Hammond

    (MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK)

  • Elena Zaballa

    (MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
    MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK)

  • Elaine M. Dennison

    (MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK)

  • Karen Walker-Bone

    (MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
    MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
    Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia)

Abstract

Women make up a growing proportion of the workforce and therefore many women experience menopause while in paid employment. We explored the prevalence of menopausal symptoms, the relationship between symptoms and coping with work and the risk factors associated with struggling at work during the menopause. The Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) community-based cohort of people aged 50–64 years was incepted 2013–2014 to study health and work. In 2019, female participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their menopausal symptoms, and effect of those symptoms on their ability to cope at work. 409 women were eligible for inclusion. The commonest symptoms were vasomotor (91.7%); trouble sleeping (68.2%); psychological (63.6%) and urinary (49.1%). The prevalence of reporting symptoms was similar no matter which type of occupation women were performing at the time. Around one-third of women reported moderate/severe difficulties coping at work because of menopausal symptoms. Risk factors for difficulties coping at work included: financial deprivation, poorer self-rated health, depression, and adverse psychosocial occupational factors but not physical demands. More awareness is needed amongst employers in all sectors but women with financial difficulties and those with jobs in which they feel insecure, unappreciated, or dissatisfied are at greatest risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefania D’Angelo & Gregorio Bevilacqua & Julia Hammond & Elena Zaballa & Elaine M. Dennison & Karen Walker-Bone, 2022. "Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Work: Findings from Women in the Health and Employment after Fifty (HEAF) Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2022:i:1:p:295-:d:1014038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mishra, Gita & Kuh, Diana, 2006. "Perceived change in quality of life during the menopause," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(1), pages 93-102, January.
    2. Kathleen Riach & Gavin Jack, 2021. "Women’s Health in/and Work: Menopause as an Intersectional Experience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-17, October.
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