The Overlooked Link Between Menopause and Divorce
Research released today on World Menopause Day (18th October 2022) reveals that seven in ten women blame the menopause for their divorce or marriage problems. The findings come from a survey of 1000 women conducted by the Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health Research and Education.
Almost eight out of ten women who were experiencing marriage problems said the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause put a strain on their family life.
New Research: 70% of Women Say Menopause Contributed to Their Divorce
The research also highlighted a lack of understanding about menopause in the legal profession. A striking 87% of the women surveyed felt unable to talk to their family lawyer about it.
Previous ONS statistics suggest that around 60% of all divorce petitions are started by women – and of those, 40% are aged 45–55, the age most likely to be impacted by menopause. So there does seem to be a clear relationship between menopause and divorce. And menopause can also make divorce harder.
Why Divorce Is Even Harder During Menopause
Divorce is the second most stressful life event after the death of a loved one. It’s emotionally draining, mentally overwhelming, and physically exhausting. Now add in the impact of perimenopause or menopause… symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, memory loss, and fatigue… and even the basics of coping can feel impossible.
How Menopause Symptoms Can Impact Legal Outcomes
Some menopause symptoms… such as brain fog, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and memory issues… can directly affect the conversations a woman has with her lawyer. This may have serious consequences for things like financial settlements or child arrangements.
Financial Decisions and the Risk of Undersettling
Divorce involves complex financial documentation, timelines, and negotiations. When you’re already struggling to remember things or think clearly, the risk of agreeing to terms just to “get it over with” increases. Anxiety, overwhelm, and lack of energy can lead women to settle for less than they’re entitled to – sometimes with long-term financial consequences.
Are Women Being Disadvantaged in Divorce Due to Menopause?
A related survey of legal professionals found that 65% agreed that menopausal symptoms could disadvantage women in divorce proceedings. Many lawyers admitted they rarely consider how menopause affects a client’s ability to work full-time or even part-time.
Another study found that one in ten women have left a job due to menopause, and 44% said their work has been affected. This makes a woman’s future earning capacity a key issue in financial negotiations. And in some cases, a “clean break” divorce settlement where there are no continuing financial obligations post-divorce… and often favoured… may not be in her best interest.
What the Research Says About Women’s Post-Divorce Finances
A study by Professor Stephen Jenkins (LSE) found that divorce increases men’s income by about a third, while women lose more than 20% of their income, with losses that often last for years. In reality, many women struggle financially post-divorce – especially when menopause affects their ability to work or earn consistently and achieve the financial independence that the court had assumed.
Five Ways to Protect Your Well-Being and Rights During Divorce and Menopause
1. Seek treatment
Worryingly only a third of all the women surveyed said that they have been offered treatment to relieve their symptoms and many said that they believed being offered treatment might have saved their marriage. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your doctor or a private clinic.
2. Track your symptoms
Use the Balance app to log your symptoms daily. You can print out a report to take to your doctor or specialist.
3. Educate yourself
Read some of the articles on the Balance website. Knowledge is power and the more information you have the more you are able to help yourself.
4. Work with a Menopause Coach
They are experienced in this area and can guide you on what your options are to relieve your symptoms and how best to manage them.
5. Make sure you feel comfortable with your lawyer
You need to be able to discuss personal issues such as menopausal symptoms and the impact they are having on you in all areas of your life, including work with your lawyer.
To summarise
Divorce is already one of the most emotionally and mentally draining life events. But when you’re navigating it alongside the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, the challenges can multiply – physically, emotionally, and legally.
From brain fog and anxiety to reduced earning capacity and a lack of understanding within the legal system, too many women face divorce at a disadvantage – often without support, treatment, or recognition of what they’re really dealing with.
If you’re navigating divorce and menopause at the same time, coaching can give you the clarity, confidence, and calm you need to make empowered decisions – without sacrificing your well-being.
Book your free, no obligation clarity call nd let’s talk about what support would actually help you right now.
