Menopause discomforts cost billions in lost earnings

Denmark incurs an annual cost of four billion kroner in lost work income due to women experiencing menopause-related discomforts, according to an estimate presented to the Health Committee of the Danish Parliament. This lost productivity equates to approximately 10,200 man-years. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, substantially affecting the quality of life and work capacity for about one-third of affected women, with one-fourth of these women being severely impacted. Lasse Gliemann of the University of Copenhagen, who formulated the estimate, emphasizes the need for increased focus on understanding and addressing these issues. Potential workplace solutions such as adjusting temperatures or offering remote work options for those with poor sleep are suggested. A comprehensive national survey is underway to map the extent of menopause-related challenges and their impact on work.