Women's Health & Precision Medicine: This Week in Healthcare

Google & Essity: One in 10 Women Leave Work Due to Menopause

Menopause symptoms are forcing experienced professionals out of the workforce at a rate that could reshape healthcare leadership pipelines. According to research, one in ten menopausal women has left their roles due to their symptoms. The global economy loses an estimated US$150bn in lost productivity every year as a result.

The financial implications extend beyond productivity loss. When 10% of women exit the workplace, organisations face replacement costs that can reach double the departing employee's annual salary. These expenses cover recruitment, induction and upskilling of successors.

The exodus appears to stem from workplace culture challenges. According to the data, more than half of women report a loss of confidence at work due to symptoms. Additionally, 47% feel unable to tell their manager the real reason for taking time off.

Career progression suffers measurable consequences. Menopause symptoms are likely to deter one in four women from applying for a promotion. A further 13% admit to passing up a high-level advancement opportunity because of their symptoms.

This pattern creates what could be described as a hidden retreat. The most experienced talent stops pursuing advancement just as they approach executive level positions. The result is what Louisa Oliveira, HR Director UK and Ireland at Essity and others have termed the silver ceiling of succession planning.

WHO, AstraZeneca & J&J: Creating Precision Medicine For All

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many populations, particularly low and middle income countries, remain underrepresented in medical data and research.

Due to these limitations, the public health impact of precision medicine is reduced, as well as an increased risk in the widening of health disparities.

Member States are endorsing a new resolution on Precision medicine: a path towards targeted, personalised and equitable care. 

At the 79th World Health Assembly, Member States are planning to take an essential step towards advancing precision medicine, aiming to strengthen equitable, effective and sustainable health systems.

UK Warns Against ‘Half Measures’ in Women’s Health Strategy

The UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has issued a strong warning against what it describes as “financial half measures” in addressing women’s health, following the Government’s formal response to its latest report. 

The findings come alongside renewed scrutiny of how menstrual and gynaecological conditions are managed within the NHS and wider healthcare reforms in England. 

The response highlights both progress and continuing gaps in policy ambition.

Which UK Universities are Leading Osteoarthritis Research?

According to the NHS, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, causing joints to become painful and stiff and in some cases, swollen.

As with most health issues, symptoms can vary depending on person, age and area affected.

The Stratification of Osteoarthritis to Promote Living Well and Treatment Effectiveness (SOLVE) involves researchers from multiple universities, aiming to understand the processes leading to osteoarthritis, as well as how to improve treatment options.

European Commission Approves Pfizer’s Haemophilia Treatment

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 5,000 male births is affected by inherited haemophilia.

Pfizer is responsible for manufacturing Haemophilia treatment and has been granted marketing authorisation from the European Commission to expand its portfolio.

The medical company is looking to include patients aged 12 and older who weigh at least 35kg into its haemophilia treatment range.