London, UK. September, 2024. Lifesum, a leading global app for healthy eating, conducted a survey that revealed glaring gaps in the support of menstrual health at work. Over half of the respondents said they would quit their current job to take a position which better supported their menstrual needs.
In a survey of 2100 women, 51.9% said they would quit their job if it offered specific policies and practices to help manage menstrual cycles.
Nutritional and Hormonal Health
The current workplace support is insufficient despite widespread awareness that a balanced diet can help alleviate menstrual symptoms. 82% of respondents knew this.
Understanding how nutrition affects our hormonal health is important for women and organizations. Hormones influence nearly all aspects of our health, including mood, appetite, energy and fertility. It is important to prioritize nutrition in this context, and employers must recognize how nutrition affects menstrual health. This will create an inclusive and supportive workplace, said Wesleigh Róeca, Director of Workplace Wellbeing at Lifesum.
Lifesum’s Hormonal Program is its most popular feature, especially among Gen Z and female millennials. It offers personalized advice about nutrition, lifestyle, and exercise. This helps people balance their hormones, improve mood and energy, and enhance overall wellbeing.
How Hormonal Health Affects Workplace Wellbeing
The study revealed that menstrual cycle impacts various aspects of the workplace. The most significant declines were in energy and concentration, as 85.9% of the respondents reported. Mental wellbeing, stress and productivity were also affected, with 56.9% of respondents reporting this issue.
This new data shows why workplaces need to address the specific health needs of female employees. We encourage employers to adopt the ‘Hold Her Health Policy’ that provides flexible working hours, extra healthcare coverage, paid leaves for conditions such as menopause, endometriosis and pregnancy challenges. This policy also offers options for reduced work hours or job sharing without penalty, as well as educational resources.
Workplace Support
The survey revealed that 70.4% of respondents said their workplaces did not provide any support to women’s health or hormone health. This includes flexible working hours, educational materials, and free menstrual products.
Further, 83.9% admitted that they continued to work even though menstrual symptoms were making them feel unwell. This highlights the need for supportive environments at work.
According to respondents, they are interested in flexible working arrangements, 60.3% want designated leave days for hormonal and menstrual health, 56.2% would like free sanitary items, and 29.8% ask for wellness apps.
“At Lifesum we believe that holistic health and proper nutrition are essential to managing hormonal and menstrual issues. Employers play a crucial role in creating an environment where women can thrive physically and mentally. It is unfortunate that 70% of employers do not address these issues. This can be a missed chance to improve employee satisfaction and productivity. Roeca said that it’s time to take action and listen to what is a clear growing demand for change.
Lifesum, in partnership with LYKON will launch a specialized blood test for women’s health at the beginning of 2025. This test will provide female users with a comprehensive analysis, including the most important hormonal values, to identify any potential deficiencies or imbalances. The test will offer tailored meal plans and personalized nutritional advice based on blood results. This is aimed at optimizing well-being. This service will initially launch in Europe and is expected to be expanded to the U.S.
Signe Svanfeldt shares some simple tips to improve hormonal health.
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Fill your body up with balanced, nutrient-dense meals
To maintain hormonal health, you must nourish your body with balanced and nutrient dense meals. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants support the endocrine function and help to balance and regulate hormone levels. Prioritizing whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains while minimizing ultra-processed foods that are nutrient poor, will provide your body the nutrients it needs to regulate hormones.
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Eat enough high-quality protein
A healthy hormonal balance is dependent on a sufficient intake of high quality protein. Proteins are the building blocks for hormone production and repair. By consuming a wide variety of proteins, such as fish, poultry, eggs, beans, and lean meats you can ensure that your body is receiving the essential amino acids it needs to produce hormones efficiently and maintain muscle mass.
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Focus on fibre
Fiber is important for hormone health as it helps to regulate blood sugar and supports digestion. A diet high in fibre promotes stable insulin levels which are important for maintaining hormonal balance, especially for those who may be at risk for insulin resistance or conditions such as PCOS. Include fibre-rich foods like vegetables, berries and whole grains to prevent hormonal imbalances. Use a tracking tool such as Lifesum to help you reach your daily fibre goal.
- Consume enough energy
It is important to consume enough calories for your body to function properly. Undereating or severely restricting calories can lead to hormonal imbalances, which affect everything from menstrual cycle to metabolism. A balanced diet aligned with your level of activity and overall health is essential for providing your body with enough energy.
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Focus on healthy fats for hormone production
Healthy fats, particularly steroid hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone are essential for hormone production. Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oils, and fatty salmon help to balance hormones. Omega-3 fatty acid, which is found in salmon and walnuts as well as chia seed, helps reduce inflammation and promote hormonal health.
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