Over half of women suffer in silence with female health condition rather than tell boss

dailystar.co.uk:

#comfyconvos. Clinical Director, Catherine Rutland, said: “No-one should suffer in silence, and our survey shows that too many women in the UK are doing just that.“Whether that is at work, or in their personal life, women are feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed discussing perfectly normal health concerns.“It’s time we broke down those barriers and banished the taboos.”The study also found almost half (47%) of employed respondents didn’t think their bosses would understand health issues specifically affecting their gender.And 43% worried they’ll be viewed as weak, while 47% didn't think their issue would be recognised as an illness.Despite 54% having no problem discussing general health conditions – such as the flu, backpain, and Covid-19 – 43% have “suffered in silence” at work while being worried about a female-specific ailment.Menstrual cramps (33%) and menopause (18%) are among the issues women have kept to themselves.And over one in ten (13%) have suffered with miscarriage – but didn’t tell their employer anything was wrong.In fact, more than a quarter would keep quiet about miscarriage, over fears it would impact their career opportunities or potential pay increases.It also emerged three in ten professionals have lied to an employer about why they’ve needed time off work when experiencing a female health issue.Only one in ten of those who are going through, or have gone through, the menopause feel comfortable enough to approach their manager for time off due to symptoms.In comparison, 40% would ask permission to visit the dentist.Loss of concentration (40%), crumbling anxiety (39%), and debilitating hot flushes (35%) are among some of the menopausal symptoms people admit to hiding at work.Women’s health issues are.