Understanding the impact of menopausal symptoms on the NHS workforce
A systematic review by Isobel Blanksby and Holly Carding found that menopausal symptoms had a significant impact on the well-being and productivity of NHS staff. Given that women make up 77% of the NHS workforce, and 20% of these are of menopausal age, understanding the impact of the menopause is critical. The findings were presented as a poster at the British Menopause Society 34th annual conference (June 2025).
Five studies were included, reporting the experiences of more than 7000 women with a variety of occupations within the NHS. The results showed that in addition to hot flushes, the most troublesome symptoms were brain fog, anxiety, poor concentration, fatigue and poor memory. Vasomotor symptoms were particularly difficult to manage because of the lack of ventilation in many clinical areas combined with standard uniforms of thick fabric and the need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Anxiety was heightened by work pressures and insufficient breaks. As a result, the women tended to take more sick leave, changed their working hours or even resigned. According to one report in 2023, menopause-related occupational changes were estimated to cost the NHS £116,000,000 annually for nurses, midwives & health visitors alone.1
The authors made three recommendations to mitigate the impacts described:
- Offer flexible working
- Increase support and education available for both employees and employers
- Supply uniforms that are more suitable for menopausal women
Dr Carding said: “There remains a marked lack of menopause education within undergraduate medical curricula, despite its profound impact on health, wellbeing, and healthcare systems. This project is particularly important in drawing attention to how menopause affects NHS clinicians, and in emphasising the need for better training and support. It has therefore been a privilege to supervise Isobel, a third-year medical student at The University of Manchester, whose enthusiasm and rigour highlight the important contribution that students can make in addressing this gap. Through this work and at Newson Education, where I serve as Education Lead, we are committed to advancing this agenda by developing high-quality, evidence-based resources that equip learners and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and confidence they need. Further information can be found at www.newsoneducation.co.uk.”
Ms Blanksby commented: “The impact of menopause on the NHS workforce is felt by many but spoken about by few. This project was a valuable opportunity to explore the wider effects of menopause and to develop recommendations that may help support NHS staff”.
References
The Strategy Unit. Menopause and the NHS workforce. October 2023 https://www.strategyunitwm.nhs.uk/publications/menopause-and-nhs-workforce
Holly Carding is a GP and menopause specialist. She is Education Lead for Newson Education www.newsoneducation.co.uk
