Nearly 90 per cent of women who have gone through perimenopause and menopause feel obligated to educate young people about it, but only 65 per cent are comfortable discussing it with their boss, according to MetLife UK.
Nearly 69 per cent of women going through perimenopause or menopause say it has affected their ability to work, according to research conducted by MetLife UK to mark EveryWoman’s Day on September 3, which encourages women to communicate about their health difficulties in an open manner.
Almost one in four, or 23 per cent, have had to stay late at work to make up for time missed due to symptoms or medical appointments, and nearly 90 per cent of women feel it is their duty to educate children and young people.
According to the study, women report entering or already being in menopause or perimenopause on average around age 41. But 39 per cent of people, or over 2 in 5, are under 40.
Additionally, despite having symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, 10 per cent of women say they haven’t yet spoken to anybody about it.
MetLife UK employee benefits director Adrian Matthews says: “EveryWoman Day is a fantastic example of why it is important women feel empowered to talk openly about health issues. It is a great platform for women to support and relate to each other through their experiences, something which we are committed to at MetLife.
“While it’s true that menopause and perimenopause have been talked about more in recent years, our research among women who are either going through or have gone through it highlights that there is so much that still needs to be done to break the taboo, despite it being a normal part of life. Women often suffer in silence, with many under the age of 40 experiencing symptoms.
“It is vital to have a supportive workplace environment with open employers, especially as many symptoms can have a significant impact on women’s day-to-day lives. Ensuring women have a platform and voice, like EveryWoman Day, is so important for beginning an open conversation with employers, family, and friends. This can help break the stigma surrounding perimenopause and menopause whilst empowering women to succeed.”