The vast majority of surveyed women doctors experiencing menopause in the UK say it has impacted their working lives, with over a third making work changes because of it, according to a new report from the BMA.
The report, based on a survey of 2000 doctors conducted between November 2019 and February 2020, highlights a lack of support for many women doctors experiencing the menopause, and a huge reluctance to discuss the problem with managers and colleagues.
Symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, loss of confidence and debilitating hot flushes were cited by 90 per cent of the women doctors to affect their ability to work, with 38% saying that the impact was significant.
Other key findings include:
- 93% of respondents had experienced symptoms as a result of the menopause, with 65% experiencing both physical and mental symptoms.
- 36% had made changes to their working lives as a result of menopause and 9% intended to make changes.
- 38% wanted to make changes to their working lives but were not able to.
- Only 16% had discussed their menopause symptoms with their manager and 47% wanted to but did not feel comfortable doing so.
The BMA has called for employers to take a pro-active approach to the topic of menopause, to make it easier to talk about and to make sure staff know support is available.
The Association wants more to be done to ease menopausal symptoms such as enabling flexible working, adjusting the workplace, and providing support for mental health and wellbeing.
Dr Helena McKeown, BMA Representative Body Chair, said: “We need to ensure that we retain women doctors who are a crucial part of the workforce. Simple steps taken now to help women experiencing the menopause now and for those in the future, will help to retain them and ensure less lost working days because of menopausal symptoms.”
