Perimenopause: Symptoms, work ability and health among 4010 Dutch workers

In this study we examined the associations between menopausal symptoms and work ability and health among a general population of Dutch female workers.

This nationwide cross-sectional study was a follow-up of the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey 2020. In 2021, 4010 Dutch female employees aged 40-67 years completed an online survey on a variety of topics, including menopausal symptoms, work ability and health.

Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between the degree of menopausal symptoms with work ability, self-rated health and emotional exhaustion, after adjustment for potential confounders.

Almost one-fifth of participants were in the perimenopause (n = 743). Of these women, 80 % experienced menopausal symptoms: 27.5 % 'often' and 52.5 % 'sometimes'. Experiencing menopausal symptoms was associated with lower work ability, poorer self-rated health, and more emotional exhaustion. These associations were most pronounced among perimenopausal women 'often' experiencing symptoms.

Menopausal symptoms threaten the sustainable employability of female workers. Interventions and guidelines are needed to support women, employers and (occupational) health professionals.