Poll paints picture of menopause discrimination at work

A survey of women across six countries has revealed that more than a third have experienced some kind of negative impact in the workplace due to menopause, with some reporting that their careers have been impacted as a result.

The poll of around 13,800 women revealed that 5% of women in the US and Canada say they have experienced discrimination in the workplace after entering the menopause, rising to 7% in Germany, 8% in Australia, 9% in Brazil, and 12% in Mexico.

At the same time, 3% of US women surveyed felt that they had missed out on a salary increase or promotion, compared with 6% in Brazil and Australia and 7% in Mexico, according to Astellas Pharma, which sponsored the research. Overall, a similar proportion of women said they had to leave their careers due to menopause symptoms.

Menopause is a natural process that occurs as women age and marks the end of their reproductive years. However, while it's a natural part of life, the symptoms it brings – such as vasomotor symptoms (VMS) like hot flashes and disturbed sleep patterns – can be tough to manage for patients, impacting all aspects of their daily life.

VMS are reported by up to 80% of women at some point during menopause and is the leading cause for seeking medical attention during this phase of their lives. Around a third of women report severe VMS, which can last 10 years or more after the last menstrual period.

"The impact on day-to-day life of menopause symptoms is massive, and when you are at the zenith of your career, it can be debilitating," commented Bridget Perks, a deputy head teacher of a secondary school with lived experience of menopause.

"Discrimination against women experiencing menopause remains a persistent issue in the workplace and it will continue unless comprehensive support systems are put in place," she added. "No woman should have to suffer in silence. Employers have a responsibility to foster an environment where menopause is understood, support is accessible, and women feel empowered to speak up and seek help."

Astellas, which recently launched a brand new type of therapy for VMS – neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist Veozah (fezolinetant) – has launched an internal global initiative, called 'Pledge to Champion a Menopause-Inclusive Workplace', that aims to empower everyone at Astellas to break the stigma associated with menopause and create a culture of understanding, inclusivity, and support.

It will provide guidance and menopause education campaigns, as well as training for line managers and employees, to "arrest the culture of silence" about menopause in the workplace, said the company.

"The impact of societal and workplace stigma around menopause should not be ignored and can be detrimental to the wellbeing of people experiencing menopause," said Katsuyoshi Sugita, chief people officer at Astellas.

"This isn't just a personal issue; it's a significant barrier to productivity, talent retention, and overall workplace well-being. Organisations have a responsibility to change the narrative around menopause and build environments where people feel supported and empowered to talk about their experiences."