CLEVELAND, Ohio (October 8, 2025)—A groundbreaking study published today in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, reveals that women experiencing menopause before age 45, particularly through surgical means, may face an increased risk of exiting the workforce prematurely. However, the study suggests that hormone therapy could play a crucial role in helping these women remain employed.
Early menopause, whether occurring naturally or through surgical intervention such as the removal of both ovaries, has long been linked to heightened risks of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Women undergoing early menopause often experience intensified symptoms such as severe hot flashes, night sweats, and depressive episodes. These symptoms are notably acute in cases of surgical menopause, where ovarian function ceases abruptly.
Impact on Employment Trajectories
Despite extensive research into the health implications of early menopause, its effects on women’s professional lives have remained largely unexplored until now. This new study, involving nearly 1,400 women who had undergone natural menopause, premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy, or hysterectomy, is among the first to examine the impact of early and surgical menopause on employment and the potential mitigating effect of hormone therapy.
Researchers employed sequence analysis to categorize 10-year employment trajectories and used regression analysis to explore the associations between menopause timing, type, and employment outcomes. Findings indicate that women experiencing early menopause often have less flexible working conditions during this critical period. Notably, early natural menopause did not significantly increase the likelihood of premature labor market exit compared to later menopause.
Surgical Menopause and Workforce Participation
Conversely, surgical menopause was linked with a higher risk of leaving the workforce, particularly for women aged 45 and older at the time of surgery. The study highlights that hormone therapy can reduce this risk, offering a potential strategy to support women facing these challenges.
“This study found that early natural menopause and surgical menopause were linked with women’s employment trajectories and further suggests that hormone therapy within the early postmenopause years may help women remain in the workforce,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society.
The research underscores the need for workplace policies that accommodate the diverse menopause experiences of women, advocating for targeted interventions to alleviate menopause-related employment disruptions.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Historically, menopause has been a topic shrouded in silence, often relegated to the private sphere. However, as more women participate in the workforce, the conversation around menopause and its implications for professional life has gained momentum. This study adds to a growing body of evidence emphasizing the necessity for workplace adaptations and health interventions tailored to menopausal women.
As the workforce continues to evolve, understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women undergoing menopause, particularly surgical menopause, becomes increasingly important. The findings present a compelling case for integrating hormone therapy and supportive workplace policies to enhance women’s career longevity and overall well-being.
Looking ahead, the study’s authors advocate for further research to explore the long-term effects of hormone therapy on employment outcomes and to develop comprehensive strategies that support women navigating menopause in the workplace. As awareness grows, so too does the potential for meaningful change in how society and employers address this critical life stage.
