More support needed for senior doctors experiencing menopausal symptoms

The medical profession needs to make reasonable adjustments for women going through the menopause to help combat the senior doctor shortage. Over 30,000 doctors are at risk of menopausal symptoms in the 45- to 54-year age group currently and the BMA said if the menopause is properly recognised as a workplace issue, and the right support is given, it will retain doctors the health service cannot afford to lose. In a survey of nearly 2,000 female doctors in this age group, 93% said they have had symptoms, with two thirds of these having physical and mental symptoms. Of this, 90% felt it affected their work, with nearly two fifths finding it significant.