Hormone-related conditions driving attrition, survey finds

July 19, 2026

More than a quarter of women have considered quitting work because of hormone-related symptoms, according to new research.

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Balance@Work’s poll of 5,500 women found that 79% felt that hormonal symptoms affect their career, and 28% have considered leaving the workforce altogether.

Almost three quarters (72%) of respondents had never received hormone health training at work, the survey found.

Balance@Work found that hormone-related symptoms associated with menopause, perimenopause and conditions such as PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) have a profound impact on female employees.

Workers reported asking for changes in hours, greater flexibility to support them remaining in work. Only 51% were aware of specific guidance available in their organisation on supporting hormonal health.

Twenty-four percent had already left a role or organisation due to hormone health, 26% had moved to a less demanding position and 25% had avoided applying for a promotion because of their symptoms.

The data showed that women of all ages are impacted by hormone health issues at work – over 10% of women aged 40 to 44 gave up a job due to hormone health problems, rising to 41% of women once they reach 65.

The symptoms most commonly cited by respondents as having an impact on their work were brain fog (87%), followed by fatigue (86%). Most women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) reported an improvement, and 49% said this was significant.

After starting treatment, 19% of these women went on to stay in a role they had been about to leave because of hormone-related symptoms.

“The topic of hormone health and related symptoms in the workplace should be keeping CEOs awake at night,” said Sarah Davies, managing director of Balance@Work.

“We already know the financial impact of menopause on workplaces is staggering. Our findings show that hormone health is influencing performance, progression and retention throughout women’s working lives, often without appearing in the data employers routinely track.”

From Spring 2027, employers with more than 250 employees will be required to publish menopause action plans as part of the Employment Rights Act.