Menopausal vasomotor symptoms are associated with poor self-assessed work ability

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Women's Health
• Menopause Research

Background:

• Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), a common menopause symptom, may affect workplace performance.
• Understanding the relationship between VMS and work ability is crucial for supporting midlife women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between VMS and self-reported work ability.
• To consider socio-demographic factors in the VMS-work ability relationship.

Main Methods:

• A national cross-sectional survey of 2020 women aged 40-65.
• Utilized the Menopause Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) and Work Ability Index (WAI).

Main Results:

• 18.5% of employed women reported poor-moderate work ability.
• VMS were associated with a 2.45 times greater likelihood of poor-moderate work ability.
• Factors like being un-partnered, obese, smoking, caregiving, and financial insecurity also correlated with poorer work ability.

Conclusions:

• Most women function well at work, but VMS are linked to reduced work ability.
• Recognizing the VMS-work ability connection can enhance wellbeing and performance for working women at midlife.