Menopause affects millions of women during their working lives, yet it remains largely overlooked in workplace policy, public discussion and scientific research. Now, in one of the first studies of its kind, researchers are investigating how menopause and shift work interact, and whether women working night shifts, rotating rosters and other irregular schedules face additional health and wellbeing challenges.
The study will compare women’s experiences of sleep, fatigue, health, wellbeing and workplace performance across perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, and across different work schedules, from standard daytime hours to night and rotating shifts.
This follows the 2024 Australian Senate Inquiry into menopause and perimenopause, which identified significant gaps in awareness, workplace support and research, and highlighted the far-reaching effects menopause can have on women’s health, workforce participation and productivity.
Challenges
Lead researcher, Adelaide University’s Dr Linda Grosser, said the study will investigate whether menopause and shift work combine to create additional challenges for women.
‘Hot flushes, poor sleep and brain fog are common symptoms of menopause that millions of women manage every day while continuing to work, care for families and navigate daily life,’ Dr Grosser 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.
‘We know that menopause and shift work can independently affect sleep, recovery and health, but we know very little about how they interact or whether some women are particularly vulnerable to their combined effects. More women than ever are working longer and remaining in shift-based industries such as healthcare, emergency services, mining and transport, which means many are experiencing menopause at the peak of their careers.
‘Understanding these experiences is critical to developing practical strategies that support women’s health, wellbeing and workforce participation,’ said Dr Grosser.
Get involved
Researchers are now seeking women aged 25 to 65 who are experiencing perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause to participate in the study. The research will combine online surveys and focus groups to explore the health impacts and lived experiences of women navigating menopause while working shifts.
Participants will be asked about menopause symptoms, sleep, fatigue, health and workplace experiences. Focus groups will also provide an opportunity for women to share the strategies they use to manage their wellbeing, the barriers they encounter, and the type of workplace support they believe would make the greatest 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.
‘Ultimately, we hope the findings will contribute to healthier ageing, improved workforce participation and more inclusive workplaces, while helping women remain healthy and engaged in their careers.’
