Recent findings highlight a significant economic burden stemming from women's health issues in the UK, particularly related to painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause. A report indicates that these conditions cost the UK economy approximately £11 billion (€13 billion) annually due to lost productivity from women missing work. Specifically, around 60,000 women are unable to work due to menopause symptoms, which alone accounts for an estimated £1.5 billion (€1.8 billion) in economic losses each year. The survey conducted by Bonafide also revealed that 76% of women reported having no workplace support for menopause, exacerbating the issue of absenteeism and career stagnation. Furthermore, 48% of women felt that menopause made them appear less productive, while 42% stated that it hindered their career ambitions. [f87f6efa]
Dr. Ranee Thakar emphasizes the urgent need for investment in women's health, advocating for a £1 (€1.19) investment per woman in obstetrics and gynecology services, which could yield a return of £319 million (€379.2 million). This aligns with the UK government's introduction of a 10-year women's health strategy in 2022, which aims to address these pressing health concerns. Previous government initiatives included allocating £25 million for women's care centers. In the United States, a 2023 study estimated that work absences related to menopause cost the economy $1.8 billion (€1.6 billion), with medical costs associated with menopause reaching $24.8 billion (€22.6 billion). These figures underscore the broader economic implications of women's health issues and the need for systemic changes to support women's well-being in the workplace. [f0878d72]
