MENOPAUSE AND SHIFT WORK: NEW STUDY TO EXPLORE THE IMPACT ON WOMEN'S HEALTH
- Bella Star
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
A new Australian study is examining whether women working night shifts and rotating rosters experience greater health challenges during menopause than those working regular daytime hours.
Menopause affects millions of women during their working lives, yet researchers say its impact in the workplace remains poorly understood.
Now, a new study from the University of Adelaide will investigate whether menopause and shift work combine to create additional health and wellbeing challenges for women working irregular hours.
The research comes as more women remain in the workforce later in life, with many employed in shift-based industries such as healthcare, emergency services, mining and transport.
Researchers will compare the experiences of women in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause across different work schedules, examining sleep, fatigue, well-being, and workplace performance.
Menopause and shift work may create added challenges
Lead researcher Dr Linda Grosser said menopause and shift work can each affect sleep, recovery and overall health, but little is known about how the two interact.
"Hot flushes, poor sleep and brain fog are common symptoms of menopause that millions of women manage every day while continuing to work," she said.
"Yet for women who work night shifts, rotating rosters or other irregular schedules, these challenges may be compounded by the well-known impacts of shift work on sleep and recovery."
The study follows the 2024 Australian Senate Inquiry into menopause and perimenopause, which identified significant gaps in workplace support, public awareness and research.
Shift work in the spotlight
Researchers are seeking women aged 25 to 65 who are experiencing perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause to participate in online surveys and focus groups.
The study will examine menopause symptoms, sleep, fatigue, health and workplace experiences, and explore the types of support women believe would make the biggest difference.
"Our goal is to generate evidence that helps employers, healthcare providers and policymakers better support women experiencing menopause while working shifts," Dr Grosser said.
The researchers hope the findings will lead to more inclusive workplaces, better health outcomes and practical strategies to help women remain healthy, productive and engaged throughout their careers.
