I partnered with SheSpeaks to dig deeper into what women are really going through during perimenopause and menopause. Every day, I receive messages from women sharing their struggles— whether it’s a confusing symptom, feeling unseen at work, or the strain these stages can put on their relationships. I’ve talked to countless women in real life, too, and the stories are all too familiar. That’s why I wanted to get some solid data, so we could better understand the challenges and find solutions. The results are in, and they’re eye-opening.
The need for support networks
Whether you’re in perimenopause or menopause, support matters. 88% of women agree that having a strong support network makes the experience more manageable. But here’s the disconnect: only 13% actually have access to one. Whether you’re struggling with symptoms or just looking for someone who gets it, finding your community is key. That’s why I created my Facebook group— it’s a space where no one has to go through this alone.
And let’s not forget the workplace. Women going through perimenopause or menopause deserve support systems there too. Could your workplace pledge to offer support? It’s time we consider menopause-friendly policies.
Workplace concerns: Aging in, not out
Both perimenopausal and menopausal women worry about workplace discrimination. It’s a harsh reality that many women feel like they’re “aging out” of their careers due to the physical and emotional toll of these life stages. Companies need to step up and create environments where women feel supported rather than sidelined.
The survey found that:
- 40% of women somewhat or very much agree that perimenopause or menopause has had a negative impact on their work relationships.
- 52% of women say that they are somewhat or very worried that perimenopause or menopause symptoms will negatively impact how they are perceived at work.
- 44% of women say that it is at least somewhat true that they have socialized or networked less with work colleagues because of perimenopause or menopause.
- 39% of women say that they are somewhat or very worried that people at work will notice or gossip about their symptoms.
- 50% of women are at least somewhat concerned that they will be discriminated against because their symptoms are associated with increasing age.
- 52% of women express at least some worry that people at work will think they are weak, sickly, or not up to the job anymore because of their perimenopause or menopause symptoms.
Impact on relationships: Perimenopause and menopause in the bedroom
Menopause doesn’t just affect your body— it can put a strain on relationships too. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms like low libido, irritability, or emotional distance, it’s clear that open conversations about how perimenopause and menopause intersect with intimacy and dating are more important than ever.
The survey found that:
- 67% of women report that perimenopause or menopause has had a somewhat or very negative impact on the quality or quantity of their intimate relations.
- 52% of women at least somewhat agree that perimenopause or menopause has put strain on their relationships.
- 42% of women say that it is somewhat or very true that they don’t feel adequately supported by their current partner when it comes to menopause or perimenopause.
The many symptoms of perimenopause and menopause
Both stages come with a range of physical and emotional symptoms, and the data shows that women are experiencing them in full force. Symptoms like brain fog, irritability, insomnia, and weight gain are affecting women’s lives on a daily basis. Hot flashes and night sweats, while often associated with menopause, are also showing up in perimenopause, making it difficult for women to get a good night’s sleep or feel comfortable in their own skin.
But the hardest part? So many women don’t realize these symptoms are connected to hormonal changes. That’s why education is key— knowing what’s happening in your body can make all the difference in how you handle it.
The survey found that:
- 57% of respondents noted they frequently experienced weight gain and 30% occasionally experienced that symptom (87% total).
- 53% of respondents said they have frequently experienced brain fog and as many as 35% occasionally experienced that symptom (88% total).
- 51% of respondents frequently experienced insomnia and 36% occasionally experienced that symptom (87% total).
- 59% of respondents noted they frequently or occasionally experienced erratic periods (only relevant for women in perimenopause).
- 91% of respondents noted they frequently or occasionally experienced irritability.
- 73% of respondents noted they frequently or occasionally experienced hot flashes.
- 78% of respondents noted they frequently or occasionally experienced night sweats.
Clearing up confusion: Perimenopause vs. menopause
Women are confused about whether they are in perimenopause, menopause, or neither. The lines between these stages can feel blurred, and that confusion makes it harder to navigate. Perimenopause is the lead-up, the rollercoaster of fluctuating hormones, while menopause is when your periods officially stop for 12 months.
- 61% of respondents age 51+ say that they are in menopause, but nearly half reported erratic periods, an impossibility since menopause is when you stop having periods.
- 54% of respondents over 61 years old report being in menopause. Once your period stops, you are in menopause for the rest of your life. While it is possible not to enter menopause until your 60s, the average age is 51. By 61 years old, most women are in menopause.
- Nearly half of respondents aged 31-40 believe they are currently in menopause, which jumps to roughly 80% in the 41-50 age range. Among women over 51, 31% believe they are perimenopausal.
The more we educate ourselves on these distinctions, the better equipped we are to deal with the challenges they present.
Survey methodology
This survey was conducted in partnership with SheSpeaks. The survey was conducted online from August 8-15, 2024 among 3,150 women over 30 years old, with the majority falling between 41 and 60 years old. Participants were recruited from the SheSpeaks community, Tamsen Fadal community, and through social media posts.
The data highlights the challenges we face— physically, emotionally, and professionally. And it’s clear that we need to continue advocating for more support and education around this natural phase of life.
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