As more women remain in the workforce beyond their 40s, understanding how perimenopause affects work ability and health is becoming increasingly important. This Dutch study explored how menopausal symptoms influence work capacity, self-rated health, and emotional exhaustion among 4,010 female employees aged 40–67. The findings underscore the need for supportive workplace measures to address the challenges associated with this natural life transition.

Key Findings: Prevalence and Symptoms of Perimenopause

The study revealed that 18.5% of participants were in the perimenopausal stage, defined as experiencing irregular menstrual cycles. Among these women, nearly 80% reported menopausal symptoms, with 27.5% experiencing them frequently. Common symptoms included fatigue, low sex drive, muscle or joint pain, and hot flashes, which align with previous research on menopause.

Women frequently experiencing symptoms reported more severe psychological, physical, and vasomotor issues, scoring significantly higher on the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), which measures menopausal symptom severity. They also tended to work fewer hours, were more likely to work part-time, and were more prone to being overweight or obese compared to their peers.

Impact on Work and Health

Perimenopausal women frequently experiencing symptoms reported:

• Lower Work Ability: These women rated their ability to work lower than premenopausal or postmenopausal women. The average work ability score dropped significantly as symptom frequency increased.
• Poorer Self-Rated Health: Over 37% of women frequently experiencing symptoms rated their health as poor compared to 14% of symptom-free women.
• Higher Emotional Exhaustion: Emotional exhaustion—a key marker of burnout—was reported by 39% of women with frequent symptoms, compared to only 13% of those without symptoms.

These findings suggest that menopausal symptoms significantly affect women’s ability to sustain their work performance and overall well-being.

Workplace Challenges and Cultural Barriers

Despite the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and their impact on work, there remains a workplace stigma around discussing menopause. Many women fear being judged or stigmatized, and healthcare professionals often lack training to address these issues in an occupational context. This cultural taboo can prevent women from seeking help or adjustments that might improve their quality of life and work performance.

Recommendations for Employers and Healthcare Providers

The study highlights the need for proactive workplace policies to support perimenopausal women. These could include:

• Educational Programs: Raising awareness about menopause among employees and management.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Allowing adjustments to work hours or remote work options to accommodate symptom management.
• Health Resources: Providing access to healthcare professionals knowledgeable about menopause and its effects on work and health.
• Open Dialogue: Encouraging conversations about menopause to reduce stigma and create a supportive environment.

Conclusion

Perimenopause is a critical phase where many women face increased challenges at work due to symptoms like fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and health-related difficulties. Addressing these issues with targeted workplace interventions and healthcare guidelines can help improve the well-being and sustainable employability of women during this stage of life. By fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, organizations can ensure that women can continue to thrive in their professional lives while managing the natural transitions of midlife.

Source:

Oude Hengel, K. M., Loef, B., Soeter, M., Hooftman, W. E., in der Maur, M., & van Oostrom, S. H. (2023). Perimenopause: Symptoms, work ability and health among 4010 Dutch workers. Maturitas, 176, Article 107793.