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The influence of menopause symptoms on workplace mental health among Irish women: A preliminary study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Women’s experiences of menopause are shaped not only by biological changes but also by the social contexts in which they occur, such as the workplace. This study examines how psychological, somatic and urogenital menopause symptoms affect occupational self-efficacy, work ability, perceived health and work quality, and perceived workplace support among Irish women. A total of 121 participants (Mage = 49.9, SD = 4.9, Range = 37-62 ) experiencing perimenopausal or postmenopausal symptoms participated in an online survey. Participants completed validated measures assessing menopause symptom severity, occupational self-efficacy, work ability, health and work quality, perceived workplace support, and menopause-related absenteeism. Psychological symptoms were significantly associated with lower occupational self-efficacy and work ability, whilst somatic and urogenital symptoms were not. Higher psychological, somatic and urogenital symptoms were correlated with multiple health and work quality measures. Organisational support was significantly associated with lower symptom severity. No significant relationships were found between symptom severity and absenteeism or reduced working hours. Psychological menopause symptoms impact key workplace outcomes, while organisational support appears protective. These findings underscore the importance of menopause-informed policies in promoting the well-being, confidence, and retention of the workforce. • Menopause symptoms can affect mental health within workplace social and structural contexts • Psychological menopause symptoms predict lower work ability and self-efficacy • Psychological, Somatic and urogenital symptoms are linked to health and work quality outcomes • Organisational support is associated with lower overall symptom severity • Results highlight the need for menopause-informed workplace mental health policies

Source: Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology

DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2025.100324

Authors: Wendyrose Smith, Sarah M. Cooney, Akansha M. Naraindas

Institutions: Dublin Business School, University College Dublin, Queen's University Belfast

Language: English

Topic: Menopause: Health Impacts and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,180