According to data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it is estimated that there are at least 5.87 million women of menopausal or premenopausal age currently working in the UK.
Forth, therefore, conducted a survey of over 4,000 women both over and under the age of 40 to gain an in-depth analysis of pre-menopausal symptoms and compared if these differ with age.
The survey highlights the fact that, despite a few anomalies, women under and over the age of 40 showed similar symptoms, which shows that symptoms alone can’t be used to diagnose perimenopause.
The research found that just under three-quarters (74%) of the questioned women have symptoms related to perimenopause.
The survey revealed the percentage of women answering each symptom which were:
- Changes in mood (87%)
- Changes in memory (81%)
- Poor sleep (80%)
- Brain fog (78%)
- Digestive issues or frequent bloating (77%)
- Joint pain or muscle tension (75%)
- Changed sex drive (73%)
- Headaches, vertigo or dizzy spells (70%)
- Dry or itchy skin (68%)
- Increased urgency/frequency to urinate (66%)
- Irregular periods (60%)
- Night sweats (56%)
- Hot flushes (44%)
- Vaginal dryness or pain during sex (41%)
A surprising statistic that the survey revealed was that more women under the age of 40 suffered from vaginal dryness and pain during sex than those over the age of 40. 51% under the age of 40 compared to 41% of those over 40.
When exploring the percentage of women who experienced mood changes such as increased anxiety, depression, and outbursts of anger, the figures are fairly balanced for women over and under the age of 40.
- Over 40- 87%
- Under 40- 89%
Finally, the survey also revealed that women over and under the age of 40 answered in the survey that they have experienced an increase in their frequency and urgency to urinate, at 66% for both age groups.
Sarah Bolt, CEO of Forth said: “Our research of over 4,000 women has highlighted the fact that perimenopause symptoms can have a huge impact on women’s lives. With women making up nearly 51% of the population, much more is needed to be put in place to support them at this time in their lives.
“Perimenopause can impact many aspects of a woman’s life and this includes their working life. As discussed recently by the Women and Equalities Committee, we are already seeing this impact. For example, it is causing them to pull back from promotions, or worse case quit their job.
“We, therefore, hope our survey gets people openly speaking about the topic as it’s a natural phase in women’s lives. We also welcome calls from MPs to make menopause a protected characteristic like pregnancy and the push to offer menopause leave.”
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