New research reveals what women really think about menopause and midlife

The qualitative study explored the lived experiences of midlife women in Australia and found that while menopause played a role, it was just one part of a bigger picture. Social, economic and relationship pressures often intersected to make this period particularly challenging.  

The findings complement the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health 2023 National Women’s Health Survey, which showed that one in four midlife women reported menopause symptoms made it difficult to carry out their daily activities.

CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Dr Sarah White said the new research reinforced what many women have been telling the organisations for years.  

“Menopause is often just one piece of a much more complex puzzle,” Dr White said. “Women in midlife are juggling caring responsibilities, work, financial pressures and relationship challenges, all while navigating significant physical and emotional changes.”  

Deakin University researchers found that menopause experiences were diverse. Some described feeling liberated from the burden of reproductive health issues such as heavy bleeding, while others reported deeply negative physical and emotional effects.

However, menopause rarely occurred in isolation. Many women experienced it alongside a host of midlife stressors, including intergenerational caring responsibilities, workplace and career pressures, financial strain, relationship difficulties and declining health.  

The study highlights that menopause is deeply connected to the broader context of women’s life. We must look beyond symptom management and focus on tackling the systemic and social factors that shape women’s health and wellbeing.  

The Deakin research also showed that women were increasingly concerned about people and organisations selling menopause products to women at a time when they might be vulnerable to the promise of “quick fixes”.

Listen to Professor Samantha Thomas (Deakin University) and Dr Sarah White (Jean Hailes) on the Conversation Hour discussing the study results.