Women with endometriosis earn less, research shows

Emily is far from alone in having to adapt her working life to her condition. The research by the ONS, which is the first population-wide analysis ever carried out in England, suggests many women experience similar situations.

Isobel Ward, who led the work at the ONS, said their findings may indicate that following diagnosis “women may be reducing their work hours, moving to lower-paid jobs, becoming self-employed or receiving benefits”.

Endometriosis UK estimates, external that one in six women with the condition have to leave the workplace.

Emma Cox, chief executive of the charity, said: “Those with endometriosis symptoms shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job, having to change career or feel restricted in the types of work they can do.

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

Ms Cox added that doing so would enable them to “retain talented employees”.