The 12-question survey, which is being presented at the Royal College of GPs’ annual conference, was promoted in Dr Newson’s newsletter and its social media to attract respondents.

The survey found 99 per cent of women felt their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms had a negative impact on their careers. More than a third said the impact was significant. 

Some 59 per cent had taken time off work due to their symptoms, with 18 per cent off for more than eight weeks. Reasons for taking time off included reduced efficiency (45 per cent), poor quality of work (26 per cent) and poor concentration (seven per cent). Half of those who took at least eight weeks off resigned or took early retirement.

Overall, more than one in five (21 per cent) women passed on the chance to go for a promotion they would have otherwise considered, 19 per cent reduced their hours and 12 per cent resigned. Sixty per cent of women said their workplace offered no menopause support.

Only one in four women discussed their hormones with their doctor, with 30 per cent prescribed antidepressants. This is despite guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence saying low mood due to the menopause can be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or cognitive behavioural therapy.