Quarter of women going through menopause 'considered leaving work'
With more women over 50 in work than ever, a survey has revealed the silent impact the menopause is having in the workplace.
ITV's Tonight programme has surveyed women going through "the change" to break the silence around the symptoms that many say are ignored by occupational health.
A survey conducted by the programme, in conjunction with Wellbeing of Women, has revealed that half of those quizzed said symptoms made their work life worse.
And a quarter said that they had considered leaving their jobs altogether because of the menopause.
In the Tonight programme, Julie Etchingham investigates whether our workplaces are doing enough to support women as they work through what can be devastating symptoms.
With one in four women going through the menopause experiencing nasty symptoms, she found that 85% of those surveyed believe there should be occupational health guidelines for menopausal workers.
As part of the programme, the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) launched guidance on menopause in the workplace.
The guidelines include practical, low-cost measures on how to improve workplace environments for menopausal women.
President of FOM, Dr Richard Heron said that the actions that can be taken by companies are "what you'd expect any employer who seeks to attract and retain and diverse and inclusive workforce".
But two-thirds of the women surveyed said they had no support at work.
Dr Heron said that with more women at work potentially experiencing menopausal symptoms, it is an occupational health issue for employers.