The Impact of Menopause on Relationships and Divorce: A New Perspective
We have written about this topic previously and it is an increasingly common issue that many of our clients are seeking support for, particularly in respect of how health issues, (in this case menopause), is really impacting on relationships. As part of our service, we help individuals and couples explore the impact that menopause has on them and their relationship and whether in fact, the symptoms of menopause acts as a cause for them to take a closer look at their relationship and the amount of support they do or do not receive at what can be for some, a significantly challenging time and unsettling time in their life.
Recent research released in conjunction with World Menopause Day provides compelling evidence to support what has long been suspected: menopause can have a significant negative impact on marriages, relationships, and even lead to divorce. This groundbreaking study, conducted by The Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health Research and Education, surveyed 1,000 women and revealed startling statistics about the relationship between menopause and marital breakdown.
Menopause and Marital Breakdown
Marital Strain: A striking 73% of women surveyed attributed the breakdown of their marriage to menopause-related issues. Furthermore, 67% reported an increase in domestic abuse and arguments as a direct consequence of menopause.
Lack of Support: Despite these challenges, only 20% of women sought support for perimenopause/menopause, not realising its critical role in relationship difficulties at the time.
Estimated Impact: With approximately 13 million women of menopausal age in the UK and 9.5 million marriages potentially affected, the study underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, appreciation and understanding of menopause's impact on relationships.
Effects on Family and What can be done
Family Dynamics: Nearly 80% of respondents noted that menopause symptoms strained their family life, yet only a third of women received treatment or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is considered the most effective treatment.
Positive Outcomes with HRT: Among those who received HRT, 65% reported significant improvement in their symptoms, and 70% of those without treatment believed it could have positively impacted their relationships. This is encouraging for many women who want to go down that route.
The Role of Family Law - Awareness and Training
Lack of Legal Support: An overwhelming 86% of women did not feel comfortable discussing menopause with their legal representatives, and 97% reported that their family solicitors did not address it as a factor in their case.
Need for Training: A significant 76% believed that family solicitors and judges should receive training on menopause to handle cases more sensitively and ensure fair outcomes for women.
Financial Implications
Economic Hardship: More than half of the respondents indicated that menopause affected their ability to save for retirement, posing a risk of financial hardship post-divorce. Some women have even left work as they have found it too much of challenge to balance the symptoms along with a possible lack of employer support.
This research calls for an urgent conversation with both men and women about menopause and its profound effects on relationships and family dynamics. It highlights the need for better education, support, and resources for men and women experiencing menopause and underscores the importance of training not only for family law professionals but across the board. By having better informed awareness and enabling free-flowing conversation about health, menopause and it’s impact on relationships, society can better support men and women, ultimately improving health and relationship outcomes for millions.
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