A recent survey of nearly 5,600 women from Balance@Work found that 79% of respondents reported hormone-related career disruptions, including performance drops and increased absences.
With hormone imbalances causing brain fog, fatigue, and mood shifts, 76% of women feel held back by their symptoms. A fourth have changed roles, passed up promotions, or left their company.
Taboos exacerbate the issue, as most have never had hormone health training; over half of respondents were unaware of workplace accommodations, and a fourth were scared to discuss concerns with their manager. Meanwhile, many associate shifts with menopause, though the survey reframes hormone health as a lifelong journey spanning PMS, PMOS, PMDD, endometriosis, and fertility.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)–which 70% of the survey’s respondents were on–proved effective in supporting and keeping women at work. Almost all women said HRT improved their symptoms, while 19% said it helped them stay in the workplace. Yet, care remains inaccessible.
While 85% want to discuss hormone health with their provider, approximately two-thirds of respondents struggled to access HRT. Among those seeking treatment, the majority will search for years and face career disruptions in the process.
While hormone health awareness is on the rise, women are still suffering in silence at work. To establish healthier 9-5 environments, Balance@Work’s survey recommends workplace education, manager support, day-to-day flexibility, and clear signposting to healthcare.
