Doctors subject to 'sexist and ageist' attitudes when talking to managers about the menopause, report finds

More than a third of female doctors said the menopause had a 'significant' impact on their working lives

Female doctors have reported being subjected to “sexist and ageist” attitudes when talking to their managers about the menopause, according to a new report.

A "concerning number" also said they intended to leave the profession early, or step back from senior positions, due to “inflexibility and a lack of support”.

The survey, by the British Medical Association (BMA) of 2,000 medics, revealed more than a third (38 per cent) said the menopause had a "significant" impact on their working lives.

Almost half (47 per cent) said they wanted to discuss menopause symptoms with their managers but felt unable to do so, with some reported being "laughed at or ridiculed" if they did.

The menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and is part of the natural ageing process when a woman’s periods stop, this can sometimes happen suddenly.

Symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, loss of confidence and debilitating hot flushes were cited by 90 per cent of the doctors surveyed as affecting their ability to work.

And, almost half (45 per cent) had already made changes to their working lives, or were planning to do so, as a result of the impact.  

This included a "concerning number" who said they intended to leave the profession early, or step down from senior positions.

"The health service may be losing highly experienced staff because of inflexibility and a lack of support during a relatively short phase of life," the report authors said.

The BMA estimates that around 30,000 women doctors in the UK are of an age where they could be going through the menopause.

“There are very few older women left at my senior level in my traditional profession,” one respondent said.

“If I mentioned my perimenopausal symptoms, I would be stigmatised and disrespected as someone who was no longer rational or capable.”

The union has called for more open discussions about the topic, giving women access to flexible working and supporting their mental health and welling.

It also called for the development of an "inclusive culture" to stamp out sexist and ageist behaviour in the workplace.

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