Published by Cathy Hoole on 29 October, 2026
Perimenopause affects every woman differently. For people experiencing significant symptoms, flexible ways of working can help. This includes changing a demanding career like radiology into something more flexible.
Perimenopause commonly begins in the mid to late forties and can last several years. For some women, perimenopause passes with few symptoms. For others, hot flushes, disrupted sleep, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating affect everyday work.
For radiologists, whose workloads can be demanding, unpredictable perimenopause symptoms can be challenging.
Perimenopause often impacts radiologists at the height of their careers. This can occur at a time when experience is most needed, amid an ongoing radiologist shortage.
How Does Menopause Affect Doctors at Work? What the Evidence Shows
Menopause can affect women's working lives in different ways. For women in medicine, changing their day-to-day work isn't always possible.
The current state of menopause at work in Australia:
- One in four Australian women aged 45 to 64 said symptoms they attributed to menopause made daily activities difficult. Another quarter reported no large impact. (Jean Hailes 2023 National Women's Health Survey)
- 7% of midlife women had missed work because of symptoms. 17% had taken an extended break in the last five years. (Jean Hailes 2023 National Women's Health Survey)
- Around 80% of employed midlife women rate their work ability as good to excellent. (Monash University submission to the Senate inquiry)
The impact of menopause on doctors' working lives:
- In a British Medical Association survey of over 2,000 doctors, 90% of those with menopausal symptoms said it affected their working lives. In that same survey, 38% wanted to change how they worked but said they couldn't.
- The survey also found only 16% had discussed symptoms with their manager, while 47% wanted to but didn't feel comfortable.
- A 2023 Occupational Medicine study found similar effects among 407 healthcare workers. Menopausal symptoms led 8% to reduce their hours and 6% to stop working night shifts. Flexible schedules were also rated among the most helpful forms of support.
Note: there is no published data specific to Australian radiologists, so the doctor and healthcare evidence above comes from overseas.
Why This Career Stage Matters to Women in Medicine at Midlife
Women are a growing share of the radiology workforce. Perimenopause often occurs at the career stage where they've built the most experience.
Women made up 13% of Australian clinical radiologists in 1992 and 29% by 2020, according to an analysis of RANZCR workforce census data. That growth means more senior female radiologists are now reaching the age when perimenopause begins.
Where Traditional Radiology Rosters Can Add Friction
Growing demand has left many radiology rosters with little room to adapt. This can make common perimenopause symptoms harder to manage.
Diagnostic imaging services rose from 102 to 118 per 100 Australians between 2014–15 and 2024–25 (AIHW).
A study in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology also found the number of imaging services per radiologist increased by an average of 74 every year between 2000 and 2021.
Radiology doesn't cause perimenopause symptoms, but traditional rosters can add friction in four areas.
| Area | Traditional rostered radiology | Flexible remote reporting |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Overnight and unpredictable on-call | Pre-arranged, predictable sessions |
| Environment | Shared reading rooms with limited control over temperature and ventilation | A home workstation where you control temperature, airflow and lighting |
| Scheduling | Fixed sessions set by the roster | Sessions agreed around your availability |
| Commute | Daily travel before and after work | No commute on remote reporting days |
A 2025 Monash University review found no clear link between menopausal status alone and work outcomes. However, personal and work circumstances were linked to lower work ability. Another 2025 review of 29 studies found that menopausal symptoms and poor sleep were linked to lower productivity.
How work is structured also matters when managing menopausal symptoms in medicine. The BMA recommends flexible working, better ventilation and rest breaks to support this period.
Is There a Right to Flexible Work During Menopause?
There's currently no specific legal right to flexible work for menopause in Australia. A 2024 Senate inquiry recommended one, and a recent review of workplace laws has called for further research.
In 2026, radiologists must meet current eligibility, such as being a carer or aged 55 or older, to have a legal right to request flexible work. Otherwise, their options depend on their employer and working arrangements.
Teleradiology Can Be a Practical Option for Radiologists During Perimenopause
Teleradiology allows radiologists to keep doing the same clinical work with more control over when and where it happens.
Many remote reporting roles are session-based and non-exclusive. You can replace some on-call shifts or take on extra work while keeping your hospital job.
Questions to Ask Before Committing
Who sets reporting session times? Are nights or weekends compulsory? Can your availability change as your circumstances do? Can the role sit alongside your existing hospital or private-practice position? What workstation and technical support is provided?
Taking the First Step
You don't need to mention perimenopause to discuss flexible work. Family responsibilities, commute, semi-retirement and lifestyle may lead you to change how you work. If symptoms are affecting you, consult your GP for treatment options. The Australasian Menopause Society has reliable information to help you find a suitable doctor.
Supporting Flexibility in Radiology at PRO Radiology
At PRO Radiology, we're passionate about helping radiologists practise in ways that fit their lives at every career stage.
Since 2009, we've helped radiologists take more control of when and where they work.
Many radiologists aren't aware that flexible radiology careers exist, or that they can work alongside an existing role. Sessions are agreed around each radiologist's availability. Onboarding and technical support are handled by our own team.
If you'd like to talk it through, our team is always happy to have a confidential conversation.
This article provides general health and workplace information only and is not medical advice.
