A new report has revealed that the UK economy loses billions of euros each year due to a lack of investment in women’s health services, with women missing work because of health issues such as painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts. The estimated economic loss stands at £11 billion (€13 billion) annually.
The report, jointly produced by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) Confederation, the women’s health charity CREATE Health Foundation, and consultancy London Economics, highlights the far-reaching impact of neglecting women’s health on the economy.
Economic Toll of Menopause and Women’s Health Issues
One significant finding from the report is that menopause-related absenteeism alone costs the UK economy approximately £1.5 billion (€1.8 billion) per year. Menopause, which typically affects women aged 45 to 55, occurs when hormonal changes cause menstruation to stop. The symptoms—ranging from hot flushes and muscle pains to brain fog and sleep disturbances—force around 60,000 women in the UK to miss work.
The study emphasized that investing an additional £1 (€1.19) per woman in obstetrics and gynecology services could generate a return of £319 million (€379.2 million) for the UK economy. This highlights the economic benefits of better supporting women’s health.
Call for Action and Investment
Dr. Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, stressed the importance of the report’s findings. “This is an important new report, and it presents a compelling economic case for investing in women’s health,” Thakar said, noting the insufficient and fragmented investment in this area.
She also called on the government to prioritize women’s health by investing in new technology and creating a long-term vision to address the health needs of women and girls. “The government must set out an ambitious vision for women’s health, putting women and girls at the heart of their policies,” Thakar added.
Unequal Access and Health Outcomes
The report also identified disparities in access to health services, particularly in areas with higher ethnic diversity and poverty. It found that women living in these areas had less access to health services and worse health outcomes.
Dr. Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, highlighted that addressing women’s health could significantly reduce economic burdens, such as absenteeism and lost productivity. “By addressing women’s health more effectively, we can alleviate substantial economic burdens, ultimately benefiting businesses and the economy,” McCay stated.
Lack of Support for Women’s Health Issues
A survey conducted last year by UK charity Wellbeing of Women found that nearly all of the 3,000 women and girls surveyed had experienced period pain. Shockingly, almost 60% reported that their period pain was severe, with many struggling to access treatment or support. Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents said their workplace did not take their period-related issues seriously.
McCay called for more support, referencing the need to back a 10-year women’s health strategy for England. This strategy, introduced in 2022, focuses on addressing women-specific issues, such as miscarriage and menopause, that have often been overlooked in healthcare policies.
Investment Shortfall
Despite the previous UK government’s announcement of a £25 million investment for women’s care centers over two years, the report calls for further investment, especially as the health system faces financial challenges following strikes.
Global Impact of Menopause
The issue is not limited to the UK. A 2023 study from the Mayo Clinic in the United States estimated that absenteeism due to menopause symptoms costs the US economy $1.8 billion (€1.6 billion) annually. The same study found that medical costs related to menopause amounted to $24.8 billion (€22.6 billion).
As the findings make clear, investing in women’s health isn’t just a social issue—it’s an economic imperative. Without proper attention and investment, women will continue to face health challenges that disrupt their lives and careers, while economies will suffer the financial consequences.
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