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Understanding the link between job strain, stress, and smoking to severe climacteric symptoms, urging better workplace and healthcare support for midlife women.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in the July 2025 issue of European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology to explore how work- and health-related factors were associated with climacteric symptoms among middle-aged full-time working women prior to receiving any treatment.
They assessed 313 Finnish women aged 52–56 years who were employed full-time and had never used any treatment for climacteric symptoms (n = 313). Symptom experience was measured based on the presence and severity of menopause-related symptoms negatively affecting general or work-related well-being. These symptoms included hot flushes, sweat, sleeping problems, vaginal dryness and tenderness, loss of sexual desire, and depressive symptoms. The analyzed work- and health-related factors included psychosocial work environment, health behaviors such as body size, physical activity, smoking, perceived stress, and social support.
The results showed that a high-strain job, active smoking status, elevated stress levels, and limited social support were linked to both higher frequency and greater severity of climacteric symptoms. Women presenting these characteristics experienced menopause-related symptoms more often and with an increased intensity compared to those without these traits.
Investigators concluded that multiple factors impacted how full-time working women experienced climacteric symptoms before treatment, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals and employers to support women’s health and well-being.
Source: ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(25)00307-0/fulltext