Menopause Hub and Core invite women nationwide to share lived experiences to inform future workplace and health policy.
A new national survey is encouraging women across Ireland to speak openly about their hormonal health and how it affects their working lives, with the goal of building a clearer evidence base for employers, policymakers and healthcare providers.
The initiative is being led by Menopause Hub, a centre of excellence in menopause care, in partnership with Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications agency. Together, the organisations aim to capture a broad and representative snapshot of women’s experiences, spanning all stages of working life and hormonal health.
“Women’s hormone health has been overlooked for far too long, despite its profound impact on women’s lives, health and experiences at work”
The survey is open to women with direct experience of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as those navigating menstruation, fertility treatment, maternity, peri-menopause and menopause.
Women without specific diagnoses are also encouraged to participate, helping to provide a wider national picture of how hormonal health intersects with work.
Menopause Hub
Distribution of the survey is taking place through two main channels. Menopause Hub is engaging with its member base and social media community, while Core is fielding the research through its nationally representative panel, which is quota-controlled across age, region and social class to ensure robust and balanced results.
More than 1,000 women have already taken part. Early findings point to the significant role hormonal health plays in day-to-day working life. Preliminary analysis indicates that many women continue to work through challenging symptoms, often without formal support or adjustments. Responses also point to a reluctance to disclose health concerns in the workplace, particularly where policies are unclear or not in place.
Loretta Dignam, founder and chief executive of Menopause Hub, said the survey addresses a long-standing gap in understanding.
“Women’s hormone health has been overlooked for far too long, despite its profound impact on women’s lives, health and experiences at work,” she said.
“Through this survey with Core, we want to build the strongest evidence base yet in Ireland on the ‘3M’ journey – menstruation, maternity and motherhood, and peri/menopause – so we can influence Government, healthcare providers and employers to deliver meaningful change. Women are not mini men, and our policies, workplaces and health systems must start reflecting that.”
From a business and workforce perspective, Core sees the research as an opportunity for employers to better understand and respond to the needs of their people. Emma Kavanagh, research director at Core Research, said many workplaces are missing a chance to improve outcomes for both employees and organisations.
“Too many women are managing hormonal health challenges in silence at work, and there is a clear opportunity for organisations to better support them,” Kavanagh said.
“This survey is an important step in bringing these experiences to light. By truly listening to women, we can help drive policies that not only improve wellbeing, but also strengthen engagement, productivity and retention.”
The organisers say the final findings will be shared with employers, industry bodies and policymakers, with the aim of informing practical workplace policies and supporting broader conversations about women’s health and participation in the workforce.
Women across Ireland are being encouraged to take part while the survey remains open. By contributing their experiences, participants can help shape a more informed and supportive approach to hormonal health at work, grounded in the realities of women’s working lives. They can access the survey here
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