A significant number of work hours are lost every year due to menopausal symptoms in women, resulting in substantial economic losses for society. New estimates, presented to the Health Committee in the Danish Parliament, show that absence related to menopausal symptoms amounts to around 10,200 lost work hours annually. These days of absence cost society up to four billion Danish kroner in lost earnings per year, according to a report from the newspaper Berlingske.
The economic costs and lost work days have prompted both members of parliament, health experts, and employee organizations to demand greater focus on women’s menopause. The goal is to create a better understanding of the issue and thus find ways to alleviate the symptoms that menopause brings. The distribution of the absence and the economic consequences underscore the need for increased attention and possible political measures that can support women going through menopause in the workforce.