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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2021 Dec;61(6):986-989. doi: 10.1111/ajo.13445. Epub 2021 Oct 17.

Menopause workplace policy: The way forward or backward?.

The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology

Sarah Carter, Susan Davis, Kirsten I Black

Affiliations

  1. Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
  2. Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
  3. Sydney School of Medicine (Central Clinical School), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

PMID: 34661905 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13445

Abstract

Workplace policies regarding women's reproductive and menopausal health are garnering global attention. The peri- and post-menopause stages may be turbulent times for many women, with some experiencing debilitating symptoms and some none at all. While the symptoms of menopause should be recognised by employers due to their various impacts, the implementation of policies that pertain to all women can alienate older female workers by creating prejudice surrounding work capability. This piece identifies other avenues for the inclusion of menopausal symptoms through pre-existing policy and highlights the issues facing menopausal women in this current age.

© 2021 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Keywords: menopause; policy; women; working; workplace

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