More than one in 10 menopausal women has considered quitting their work because of a lack of employer support, with this rising to more than a fifth (21%) of those aged 45-54, according to a poll.
The survey of 1,000 women from HR consultancy hoomph found 15% had thought about quitting because of their menopausal symptoms, with this especially the case in high-stress sectors such as technology and healthcare. This figure then rose sharply among women aged 45 to 54.
A significant 70% of women said they felt unsupported by their employers during this critical life transition, emphasising the urgent need for improved resources and support systems in the workplace, said hoomph.
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The report also found more than half of the women polled (53%) said menopause affected their daily working life, with the figure rising to 70% among women aged 45-54.
More than two-thirds (69%) of working and retired women said they wish they had been more informed about menopause before experiencing it.
The report called for businesses of all sizes to adopt menopause-friendly policies, encouraging employers to proactively support employees through this natural life stage.
Sarah Stevens and Lisa Hallewell, co-founders of hoomph, said: “As businesswomen working in HR and experiencing menopause ourselves, we have seen firsthand the lack of awareness and support available. It’s time for businesses to step up, break the stigma, and foster inclusive environments where women don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Separately, a BBC Panorama investigation has said that the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is looking into information of concern at clinics run by one of TV s best-known menopause doctors.
Dr Louise Newson has also lost her British Menopause Society accreditation, over the prescribing of high doses of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), according to BBC Panorama.
More than a dozen patients from her privately-run clinics, Newson Health, told the BBC they had experienced complications. Some developed a thickening of their womb linings, a potential precursor to cancer.
In response, Newson Health said it used a wealth of clinical experience and data to treat patients on an individualised basis to provide the best possible menopause care .
The CQC told Panorama it was following up information it had received to understand if there are any risks to people using the service and whether further action is warranted.
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