Just six per cent of UK employers offer menopause leave, a recent study has revealed.

The study, conducted by Robert Walters, surveyed more than 3,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland.

It found that while 82 per cent of UK employers offer general sick leave, only six per cent provide specific leave for menopause.

Read more: McDonald's drive thru plan for M5 Strensham services

The study also revealed that 66 per cent of respondents do not believe their employers provide adequate support for those experiencing perimenopause or menopause.

As a result, 37 per cent of female professionals experiencing symptoms said they would "try to cope" or "ignore it".

Almost a fifth would disguise it as a "general illness".

More than half, 58 per cent, of female professionals are concerned about the impact menopause may have on their work, due to the need to work from home, take time out, or reduced productivity due to low mood or lethargy.

Lucy Bisset, director of the company, said: "Menopausal women represent a significant proportion of the UK workforce, yet our research highlights how workplace support for them is almost non-existent.

"This leaves women having to cope with a range of symptoms alone - ranging from hot flushes, low mood and migraines – so it’s no wonder many try to push them to the back of their mind."

He added: "Something that is a natural biological process for almost half of our workforce shouldn’t be having such negative repercussions at work.

"Improving support doesn’t have to be complicated or even time-consuming.

"Employers can start with creating space for open discussion around menopause at work."