Shift Workers Face Higher Miscarriage Risk, Subfertility

Women who work irregular shifts suffer more disrupted menstrual cycles, miscarriages and reduced fertility, according to an analysis of data from previous studies presented at a scientific meeting in London.

Irregular hours are associated with a 33 percent greater rate of menstrual disruption and an 80 percent higher rate of subfertility than working regular hours, according to the report to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology today. Those who only worked nights didn’t face an increased risk of menstrual disruption or difficulty conceiving, though they did have more miscarriages.