Research shows that women with endometriosis have reduced income

Unique National Research Because England shows that endometriosis has had a “significant” impact on women’s ability to make money and work.

The researchers suggest that women may engage in low-paying jobs or work less after diagnosis.

Charity in the UK endometriosis calls for “support, understanding and reasonable endometriosis adjustment” in the workplace to “retain talented staff”.

A government spokesman said they are “committed to deliver the health care workers women need when needed so that everyone can live a healthy, effective life”.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has studied the effects of endometriosis on the outcomes of labour market in England for the first time.

Endometriosis is a symptom of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside it, sometimes leading to debilitation. This disease can cause women to leave or change their jobs.

By studying anonymous official medical and salary data from more than 55,000 women, monthly income decreased in England between the ages of 25 and 54 after diagnosis of endometriosis at NHS hospitals.

Among paid workers, the average monthly decrease of £56 per month in four to five years after diagnosis compared to the two years before the condition was learned.

The study also found that the likelihood of becoming a paid employee after endometriosis diagnosis was “significantly reduced”, down 2.7 percentage points four to five years after diagnosis.

Emily Jones was only 11 years old when he first felt the symptoms of endometriosis. She went through a period of extreme pain that caused her to vomit and faint.

She wasn't diagnosed until she was 31 years old, when she was a chef and was operating trying to solve the situation. After signing for work for two weeks, she returned and knew the job was unsustainable.

“This is a male-dominated department, and it’s not understood.

Emily resigned and made efforts to work as a freelancer so she could choose the hour.

Emily is far from adapting her work and life to her own situation alone. The ONS study is the first population analysis ever conducted in England, which shows that many women have experienced similar situations.

Isobel Ward, who leads ONS jobs, said their findings may indicate that “women may be reducing their working hours, shifting to low-paying jobs, becoming self-employed or receiving benefits” after the diagnosis.

Endometriosis UK estimate One in six women must leave the workplace.

“People with symptoms of endometriosis don't have to worry about losing their jobs, don't have to change their careers or be restricted about the type of work they can do,” said Emma Cox, CEO of the charity.

“We need employers to understand endometriosis and overcome myths and embarrassments about periods and menstrual health and support their employees.”

Ms Cox added that doing so would allow them to “retain talented staff”.

Emily is engaged in a career in communications, but now – 44 – says her condition worsens and she has to change her career.

“I no longer manage a team of people. I'm one-third less than before, and I have to sell my home and move to a cheaper area in order to free up some money to pay the bill.”

She said the impact of her endometriosis on her work life was all-encompassing: “It’s hard to get through my basics on bad days. My mental health.”

Ms. Cox highlighted the need for faster NHS diagnosis and access to treatment for women, a goal the government is working to achieve.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Social Care said: “The government is committed to providing health care for women when needed so that everyone can live a healthy, productive life.

“Our elective reform program sets out how the NHS meets the 18-week waiting time goal, which means early diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions such as endometriosis.”

The ONS study is part of a series of work funded by the Ministry of Finance to explore certain medical interventions and diagnose income and employment status. Other conditions that should be studied or should be studied include weight loss surgery, speaking therapy, and diabetes prevention.