A Third of Women Fear Discussing Their Health at Work

The Female Body
Jun 3
2 min read

A third of women say they are reluctant to talk about their health at work — not because their symptoms aren’t serious, but because they’re afraid it could damage their careers.

That’s the stark finding from new research conducted by Irish Life Health in partnership with Ipsos B&A, which surveyed over 1,100 workers ahead of Ireland’s WellFest wellness event this month.

The data reveals that women experiencing menstrual pain, fertility challenges, perimenopause or menopause symptoms are still navigating these health issues in silence. For many, the concern isn’t just the physical toll — it’s the fear of being judged, sidelined, or perceived as “less capable.”

“Despite making up half of the adult population, many women still feel uncomfortable discussing their health concerns at work, often fearing a negative impact on their careers,” said Ann Marie Nestor, managing director of Irish Life Health. “The evidence is clear: supporting women with their health needs is essential.”

Time Off — But at What Cost?

Nearly 30% of women reported taking sick leave to manage gender-specific health issues, while almost one in five used annual leave instead — often just to avoid stigma.

Among younger women (aged 16–34), the situation is even more pronounced:

43% have used sick leave to manage their symptoms
31% have taken unpaid leave

This paints a picture of a system where time off is often the only option — and even then, it’s a hidden one.

Policy Vacuum — And a Talent Drain

Only one in three employers surveyed had policies to support women’s health in the workplace. Perhaps unsurprisingly, only 41% of women feel supported by their current employer.

Crucially, this isn’t just a health issue — it’s a retention issue. 44% of women said they would consider changing jobs for better health support.

Workplaces that ignore gender-specific health concerns risk losing talented women — particularly as awareness around the importance of hormonal and reproductive health grows.

Shifting the Conversation

Dr Máire Finn, a GP specialising in women’s health, says the research highlights the urgency of shifting attitudes.

“We need to break down the taboos still associated with female health. This isn’t about ‘special treatment’ — it’s about acknowledging the biological realities that impact half the workforce.”

She’ll be part of the WellFem tent at WellFest this weekend — a dedicated space for open conversations about women’s health.

We’ve previously reported on the work of Loretta Dignam, founder of The Menopause Hub, who continues to advocate for systemic change in how workplaces support women through perimenopause and menopause. The stigma is real. So is the cost.

What Needs to Happen Next?

This research is another reminder that the workplace wasn’t built with the female body in mind. And while things are slowly changing, fear remains a barrier — and silence a symptom — of deeper systemic inequality.

At The Female Body, we believe that real support for women’s health at work must be proactive, not reactive.

That means: