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The menopause "penalty"

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriella Conti

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies)

  • Rita Ginja

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies)

  • Petra Persson

    (Stanford University)

  • Barton Willage

    (University of Colorado - Denver)

Abstract

The motherhood penalty is well-documented, but what happens at the other end of the reproductive spectrum? Menopause—a transition often marked by debilitating physical and psychological symptoms—also entails substantial costs. Using population-wide Norwegian and Swedish data and quasi-experimental methods, we show that a menopause diagnosis leads to lasting drops in earnings and employment, alongside greater reliance on social transfers. The impact is especially severe for women with lower socioeconomic status. Increasing access to menopause-related health care can help offset these losses. Our findings reveal the hidden economic toll of menopause and the potential gains from better support policies.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriella Conti & Rita Ginja & Petra Persson & Barton Willage, 2026. "The menopause "penalty"," IFS Working Papers W26/01, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:ifsewp:26/01
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    File URL: https://ifs.org.uk/sites/default/files/2026-01/WP202601-The-menopause-penalty.pdf
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H72 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Budget and Expenditures
    • I00 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General - - - General
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure

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