It is estimated that 570,000 people in their 40s and 50s have experienced so-called "menopausal turnover," in which they are forced to quit their jobs due to symptoms that appear during menopause, such as depression and physical pain. Experts have put together an estimate that the resulting economic loss will reach approximately 630 billion yen annually.
This was calculated based on a questionnaire conducted jointly by NHK and a specialized agency by Professor Zhou Yanfei of Japan Women's University, which specializes in labor economics.
The questionnaire was conducted on the Internet last year, and of the approximately 5,300 men and women in their 40s and 50s who are believed to have menopausal disorders,
9% of women quit their jobs due to symptoms, and
7% of men did
this. Estimating the number of people who have experienced "menopausal turnover", the result is that there
are about 460,000 women and 110,000 men
in their 40s and 50s
.
Furthermore, this time, we estimated how much economic loss would be brought about in society as a whole if the state of losing work due to "menopausal turnover" continued for one year.
▽ Approximately 420 billion yen for women
▽ Approximately 210 billion yen for men It is newly revealed that the total amount is expected to reach 630 billion yen.
Menopausal upset and decreased hormones
Menopause refers to the 10 years before and after menopause of women, from the late 40s to the early 50s, and although there are individual differences, there are various factors such as hot flashes, insomnia, malaise, and depression due to the rapid decrease in female hormones while fluctuating greatly. It causes physical and mental disorders.
In addition, although the mechanism is different for men, it is thought that many people in their 40s and 60s get sick due to a decrease in male hormones due to stress.
However, due to stress and changes in the environment, symptoms may appear in the 70s.
Expert "Turning off a job is a big problem at the important time of career advancement"
Professor Zhou Yanfei of Japan Women's University, who estimated the economic loss due to "menopausal turnover," said, "It is a very large number that cannot be ignored. The age of menopause is just an important time for career advancement, but it is possible with" menopausal turnover. " It is a big problem that the sex is cut off. It is important for companies to establish a consultation system and encourage medical institutions to consult, and to build a breakwater to prevent employee turnover. There may be room to consider support for the cost of treatment for people with severe symptoms, as well as encouraging them to do so. "