Quality of life in menopausal women in the workplace - a systematic review

Climacteric. 2023 Apr;26(2):80-87. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2022.2158729. Epub 2023 Jan 22.

Abstract

Menopausal women are a large and economically relevant group in the workforce. Yet their quality of life (QoL) and needs in the workplace have been neglected. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of QoL of menopausal women in the workplace. Systematic literature searches were executed, yielding 1211 references. After abstract screening, 156 articles remained for full-text screening. Finally, 12 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Age, educational level, type of work, working environment (e.g. crowding, confined spaces, noise, workstation design), permanent place of residency, mental factors (e.g. stress level, workload, work pattern), comorbidities, menopausal symptoms, time since menopause and physical activity have repeatedly been shown to affect QoL in the workplace in menopausal women. Low-threshold access to medical and psychological support as well as individual adaptation of the workplace environment are, among others, retrieved recommendations for employers from these findings. Further raising of awareness of special needs of menopausal working women as well as further systematic research programs are needed.

Keywords: Menopause; quality of life; systematic literature review; workforce; workplace.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menopause*
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*
  • Workplace*