A quarter of women feel more comfortable in themselves since going through the menopause. A study of 1,000 females who have been through or are currently experiencing the hormonal change found despite 24% dreading it, 18% now feel able to focus on what they want for the first time. While 23% feel generally care-free and 18% have more confidence.
It also emerged that of the 28% who are single, 16% are more likely to ask for what they want from a relationship – because they know themselves better now than before.
The research was commissioned by Ourtime, which is collaborating with Pause Live, a health and wellness event at The Grand Connaught Rooms, London, on 14th September from 9am – 6pm, in a bid to support women on their journey through menopause.
Kate Taylor, dating and relationships expert for the over 50s dating app, said: “The menopause is a time of huge change for women. While hormonal issues can cause a range of symptoms, it can also be an empowering period, bringing increased self-awareness and confidence.
“This life stage encourages women to re-evaluate what truly matters to them and who they want to spend their lives with, allowing them to embrace their needs and desires more fully.
“Our research found that women feel there is a real lack of support and education around the menopause – which is something we are looking to change.”
The study found 23% of single women were concerned about the impact menopause would have on their dating life. However, 26% admitted they needn’t have worried, with the average menopausal singleton going on three dates since the start. And 35% claimed they enjoyed ‘most of them’.
It also emerged 46% found there to be no change to their romantic relationships since starting to experience symptoms. Encouragingly, 46% would feel confident opening up to a person they were seeing about their experience with the menopause. And 54% believe more honest and open conversations would help men and women better manage it.
Of all those polled, via OnePoll, 56% were not prepared for what was ahead, with 37% putting this down to a general lack of education. But 24% feel there is still a taboo around the subject, while 22% claim they didn’t have anyone they felt they could talk to.
It also emerged the most-believed misconceptions around menopause before starting to go through it include not being able to get pregnant once it starts, inevitably gaining weight, and it always causing hot flushes.
However, when it comes to the biggest benefits, 62% are happy to say goodbye to periods forever, while 29% enjoy putting an end to Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.
Kate Taylor added: “We hope to empower women during this time with our Meno-Power Guide, which we have created to give women the information and help they need to make the best of this time, and to feel optimistic about the future.”
