A new report reveals that the UK economy loses approximately £11 billion (€13 billion) annually due to women missing work because of health issues related to menstruation and menopause.
Key Findings of the Report
The report, created by the NHS Confederation, the CREATE Health Foundation, and consultancy London Economics, states that conditions such as painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts significantly affect women’s ability to work. It highlights that around 60,000 women in the UK are unable to work due to menopause symptoms.
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 when a woman’s menstrual cycle stops due to lower hormone levels. The symptoms can include hot flushes, brain fog, muscle pain, and difficulty sleeping, leading to an estimated economic loss of £1.5 billion (€1.8 billion) each year.
Investment Recommendations
The report suggests that investing an additional £1 (€1.19) per woman in obstetrics and gynecology services could yield an estimated return of £319 million (€379.2 million) for the economy.
Calls for Increased Support
Dr. Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, emphasized the need for more investment in women’s health. She pointed out that current funding is inadequate and fragmented, preventing women from getting the necessary diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner.
“The UK government must set out an ambitious vision for women’s health,” she stated, advocating for placing women and girls at the center of health policies.
Access to Health Services
The report indicates that local authorities with more ethnic diversity often have limited access to women’s health services, and those in poverty experience worse health outcomes. Dr. Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, noted that improving women’s health could relieve significant economic burdens, such as absenteeism and reduced productivity in the workplace.
“Most importantly, these measures would ensure that every woman receives the support she deserves when facing health challenges,” McCay added.
Survey Insights
A survey conducted last year by the charity Wellbeing of Women found that nearly all of the 3,000 women and girls surveyed had experienced period pain, with almost 60% reporting severe pain. More than half of the respondents stated it was difficult to access treatment or support, while 47% felt their workplace did not take their menstrual issues seriously.
Urgent Need for a Health Strategy
McCay stressed the need for a comprehensive 10-year women’s health strategy in England. This strategy, introduced in 2022, aims to address women’s health issues, including miscarriage and menopause. It acknowledged that women spend a greater portion of their lives in ill health, often without sufficient attention to their unique health concerns.
Data from Eurostat shows that women in EU member states generally live longer than men but spend more time in poor health. Last year, the UK government announced a £25 million investment over two years to fund women’s care centers. However, the new NHS Confederation report calls for additional funding due to financial challenges following recent strikes.
Economic Impact in the US
A study from 2023 estimated that the economic impact of women missing work due to menopause symptoms costs the United States around $1.8 billion (€1.6 billion) each year. This study, conducted by the Mayo Clinic, surveyed 4,440 women aged 45 to 60 who were working and patients at the clinic. The researchers also estimated that medical costs associated with menopause for women amount to $24.8 billion (€22.6 billion).
The findings highlight a pressing need for more effective policies and investment in women’s health to support their well-being and contribute positively to the economy.
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