Half of women feel that their mental wellbeing had been negatively affected by the menopause, a new survey has revealed.
In a poll of over 1,000 women between the ages of 50 and 60 commissioned by Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and BBC Radio Sheffield, 48% of respondents said their mental health and mood suffered as a result of going through menopause.
The survey also revealed that being menopausal made a quarter of women want to stay at home, while 23% said it had reduced how much they enjoy life, the Telegraph reports.
It also looks like many of us still have a limited knowledge about the menopause, with 70% of those surveyed saying they didn’t have a strong understanding of it or of the way it might impact mental health.
Woman’s Hour editor Karen Dalziel said: ‘Our findings suggest that women don’t have enough information about the menopause.
‘Whilst some of the physical symptoms are well known, we’ve discovered how the menopause is affecting women’s mental health.
She continued: ‘We also now know that women seem reluctant to talk about it – either with doctors or with their employers, and so could be missing out on sources of support.’
The survey revealed that only a third of the women who suffered effects to their mental health spoke to their GP about it, while just 70% of participants who were working at the time they went through the menopause spoke to their employer about it.
BBC Radio Sheffield editor Katrina Bunker added: ‘The impact clearly goes beyond the more commonly reported physical symptoms, often affecting people’s relationships, their jobs and clearly impacting mental health and well-being.
‘The results of our poll show there is much to be discussed about the menopause and many stories to be heard.’
