Women's Menopause Awareness and Support on the Rise, Study Finds

Women are increasingly open about discussing menopause and seeking support, but many still struggle with symptoms and healthcare disparities. A recent survey of 2,013 women in the United States found that while there has been progress in talking about menopause, confusion and frustration remain. The study highlights the need for increased investment in research, healthcare training, and legislative initiatives to drive continued advancement in menopause care.

Key Takeaways:

• 64% of women openly discuss menopause with friends and family, a 12% increase from last year, indicating a positive shift in societal attitudes.
• 67% of respondents have talked to a healthcare provider about their menopause symptoms, a 14% increase from last year, suggesting greater willingness to seek help.
• 69% of women rely on first-hand research to learn about menopause, emphasizing the importance of self-education.
• 7 out of 10 women still don't know the technical definition of menopause, highlighting educational gaps in healthcare.
• Millennials (women aged 40-49) are more likely to turn to technology for menopause support, with 29% using mobile apps, digital healthcare platforms, or wearable technology, compared to 7% of women aged 50+.
• Almost half of women participating in the study (48%) feel that menopause has disrupted their daily lives, with 1 in 3 women saying menopause has caused them to feel hopeless.
• Women in their 40s (57%) report more negative impacts of menopause symptoms on their work performance and ambition compared to women 50+ (45%).
• 51% of women want more menopause support in the workplace, while 48% fear being stereotyped as less productive or emotionally stable due to menopause.
• 36% of women report receiving conflicting medical advice from different providers, with many feeling dismissed by their healthcare providers.

Statistics:

• 36% of women report receiving conflicting medical advice from different providers.
• 94% of women want menopause and its treatment to be required subject matter for OB/GYNs in medical school.
• 99% of women want increased funding for women's health research, with nearly 90% wanting women's health to make up at least 25% of the total NIH budget.
• 2 in 5 women (40%) say funding for women's health research will influence how they vote in the 2024 election.
• 66% of women would buy from a brand that invests in menopause research.

Sources:

• Bonafide State of Menopause Study (2024)
• The 2024 Bonafide State of Menopause Survey, which included 2,013 women in the United States aged 40-64, was fielded by Bonafide in May 2024.
• Bonafide Health's mission is to provide women with safe and highly effective symptom relief throughout their menopause journey.