Just over two-fifths (41%) of women questioned said they had seen menopause treated as a joke in the workplace.
This figure rose to more than half (54%) for those not in work during the menopause and almost three-fifths (58%) for those with a disability.
In all, roughly three in five women (61%) said they had lost motivation due to their symptoms, and just over half (52%) admitted they had lost confidence as a result.
It’s estimated that more than 33 million women in the UK will go through menopause. Approximately 90% may experience menopausal symptoms, with roughly 10% leaving their jobs as a direct result. It’s also suggested that roughly one in seven women (14%) are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the UK to help tackle these side effects.
With this in mind, Chemist4U have compiled the latest menopause stats for 2025, outlining the typical age for menopause, how menopause hormone levels change during this phase of a woman’s life, and the most common menopause symptoms.
Our menopause statistics report combines recent developments in menopause research with original data to illustrate how the menopausal landscape has evolved and what the future might hold for women in the UK and beyond.
Top 10 must-know menopause facts 2025
Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with an average age of 51. (Source: FPA)
The UK’s menopause population is estimated to reach almost 4.39 million by 2025. (Source: Chemist4U via World Bank)
By 2035, there could be more than 4.61 million women in the UK between the ages of 45 and 54. (Source: Chemist4U via World Bank)
Spain has the highest proportion of women in menopause relative to its total population at 8.28%, compared to Niger, which has the lowest (2.71%). (Source: Chemist4U via World Bank)
As the average level of personal wealth increases within a country, so does the average age at menopause, with a correlation score of 0.47. (Source: Chemist4U)
Between 80% and 90% of those in menopause will experience symptoms, with 25% describing them as severe. (Source: BMS)
The most common menopause symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats, experienced by 70% to 80% of women. (Source: BMS)
Approximately 13 million HRT items were prescribed in 2023/24, a 22% increase from the previous year. (Source: NHS)
Around 14% of women are currently taking HRT. (Source: Fawcett Society)
54% of those taking HRT said it has given them their life back, with 36% claiming it has made them more productive at work. (Source: Fawcett Society)
UK menopause statistics
UK menopause population statistics
As of 2024, the UK menopause population stood at just over 4.41 million, gradually falling year-on-year from a peak of around 4.66 million in 2017. This represents a decrease of almost 5.4% in seven years.
UK menopause population over time (2015 to 2035)
Year
Cumulative female population aged 45 to 54 (forecasted)
Percentage change (%)
2025
4,389,438
-0.53
2026
4,371,905
-0.4
2027
4,354,787
-0.39
2028
4,363,719
0.21
2029
4,387,730
0.55
2030
4,433,420
1.04
2031
4,492,179
1.33
2032
4,543,970
1.15
2033
4,577,372
0.74
2034
4,599,933
0.49
2035
4,614,278
0.31
(Source: Chemist4U via World Bank)
Our forecasts indicate that this downward trend is expected to persist until 2027, with a projected low of approximately 4.35 million.
After this, the UK’s menopause population is anticipated to rise to a high of more than 4.61 million by 2035. This would indicate a rise of almost 6% over the course of eight years.
Average menopause statistics
Menopause is diagnosed once a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without having a period. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of natural menopause around 51 years old.
Given that the average life expectancy is around 76 for women, this means they will likely spend more than half of their lives in the menopause.
Furthermore, it’s estimated that between 2% and 4% of women globally experience menopause before the age of 40 and around 12% between the ages of 40 and 44.
The respective figure for high-income countries is approximately 8%, with the typical menopause age falling between 50 and 51 years.
Did you know? Over a billion women are expected to reach menopause in 2025, representing approximately 12% of the global population.
Average age of menopause by country
The average age of menopause can vary between countries, ranging from 52.7 years in Norway to 45.6 years in India.
Average menopausal age for different countries of the world
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nepal, Nicaragua, Panama, Somalia, Timor-Leste
(Source: World Population Review)
Women from more developed nations tend to experience menopause at a higher average age compared to those from less developed parts of the world.
For example, those in Australia and Canada have a typical menopause age of 51, which is on average four years older than women living in Mexico, Honduras, and other countries in Central America. Similarly, the majority of African nations have an average menopausal age of 48 years old.
What is the average age of menopause in the UK? 51.
Menopause population statistics by country
Our analysis of World Bank population data reveals that, as of 2025, Spain has the largest proportion of women in menopause, accounting for 8.28% of its total population. This is followed closely by Greece, at 8.12%, as the only other country in the world where almost one in 12 women has reached menopause.
Countries with the highest and lowest proportions in menopause
China, with the second-largest population as of 2025, has more than 101 million women of menopause age (the largest of any country). However, this equates to 7.17% of its total population, placing it seventh on the list.
Countries with the highest proportion of people who have reached menopause
Country
Total population
Menopause population
Menopause population as a percentage of the total population (%)
Spain
47,890,000
3,965,994
8.28%
Greece
9,938,840
807,218
8.12%
Thailand
71,619,900
5,493,020
7.67%
Japan
123,103,000
9,131,080
7.42%
Cuba
10,937,200
791,664
7.24%
Antigua and Barbuda
94,209
6,813
7.23%
China
1,416,100,000
101,583,692
7.17%
Cyprus
1,370,750
97,709
7.13%
Bermuda
64,555
4,535
7.03%
Barbados
282,623
19,699
6.97%
(Source: Chemist4U via World Bank)
At the other end of the scale, Niger has the lowest proportion of women in menopause at 2.71%. This is followed by a series of African and Middle Eastern countries, ranging from 2.77% in Uganda up to 3.33% in Angola.
Countries with the lowest proportion of people who have reached menopause
Country
Total population
Menopause population
Menopause population as a percentage of the total population (%)
Niger
27,917,800
757,908
2.71%
Uganda
51,384,900
1,421,597
2.77%
Somalia
19,654,700
561,122
2.85%
Qatar
3,115,890
90,923
2.92%
Mali
25,198,800
741,212
2.94%
Afghanistan
43,844,100
1,321,434
3.01%
Malawi
22,216,100
687,510
3.09%
Burundi
14,390,000
455,081
3.16%
Mozambique
35,631,700
1,144,970
3.21%
Angola
39,040,000
1,299,671
3.33%
(Source: Chemist4U via World Bank)
Did you know? Grand View Research estimate that around 13 million women, or one-third of the UK's female population, are premenopausal or menopausal.
Factors that affect the average menopausal age
According to our analysis, there is a positive correlation between a country’s average menopausal age and several socio-economic factors.
The strongest relationship exists between the average level of wealth within a country and the typical menopause age of its female population (r = 0.47). In other words, those countries with a higher level of wealth tend to have a higher average age at menopause.
Relationship between average menopause age and different socio-economic factors
This is followed by the urban population percentage, female literacy rate, and life expectancy. This indicates that, generally speaking, countries with a greater proportion of women living in cities, becoming educated, and living longer tend to have a higher average menopause age.
Perimenopausal statistics
Perimenopause is when you display symptoms of menopause, but your periods haven’t stopped. This ends when you reach menopause and you’ve not experienced a period for 12 months.
This can be split into two phases:
Early perimenopause - when women initially experience a change in their menstrual cycle. Periods become infrequent (i.e., six to seven weeks apart). The average age at which this occurs in the UK is 47.
Late perimenopause - when women experience a worsening of their menstrual symptoms and their cycles become even less frequent (i.e., a few months apart). The average age at which this occurs in the UK is 49.
What is the average age of perimenopause in the UK? 47-49 (depending on whether you're in early or late perimenopause).
Menopause hormone levels
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55 as a woman’s oestrogen levels drop, but it can happen earlier.
This can be a natural process caused by a change in the body’s hormonal balance, which tends to occur as you get older. Or, it can be brought on by other reasons, such as:
The removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy)
Cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and radiotherapy)
Genetics
Female hormone levels at different stages of the menopause
Due to the variations in hormone levels, measurements of FSH and oestradiol are generally not used to diagnose the menopause.
For example, oestradiol levels during the perimenopause can average around 20% to 30% higher than the premenopausal phase.
FSH is of no value if women are taking a combined oestrogen and progestogen contraception or a high-dose progestogen.
If a woman is under 45 years old, then FSH levels may help determine the presence of premature menopause (providing they are not on hormonal contraception).
If so, then LH:FSH ratios can often be higher (>2.5) in samples collected on days one to five of the menstrual cycle in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Luteinising hormone (LH) - one of the main hormones that control the reproductive system by releasing an egg from the ovary. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - an important hormone produced during puberty that helps the grown of a woman's overies before they release an egg.
LH and FSH levels at different stages of the menstrual cycle
Your FSH and LH levels can vary depending on what phase of the menstrual cycle you’re in.
For example, those in the earlier stages of their menstrual cycle (the follicular phase) and the third stage (luteal phase) tend to have the lowest hormone levels in menopause, at 1-12IU/L for LH and 1-9IU/L for FSH.
By the time women reach post-menopause, their LH levels could be almost five times greater than those of the luteal phase. During the same transition, FSH levels could reach 118IU/L, up to 13 times greater by comparison.
LH levels tend to be highest in the ovulatory phase, usually reaching between 16 and 104IU/L.
Female hormone levels by age
As a woman gets older, her FSH levels tend to increase.
A study by Luna et al. of women in the premenopause found that average FSH levels were:
6.5IU/L for those aged 35 and under
7.4IU/L for those aged 35-38 years old
7.8IU/L for those aged 38-40 years old
8.2IU/L for those aged 40 and above
FSH levels across different age groups
This menopause research also showed that the range in FSH levels tends to increase with age, from 4.6IU/L for those under 35 to 5IU/L for 38- to 40-year-olds.
When should you use FSH levels to confirm the menopause?
NICE guidelines advise that you consider using the serum FSH level to confirm the menopause in a person not taking combined hormonal contraception or (HRT), providing they are:
Aged between 40 and 45 years old
Display menopause related symptoms, including a change in their menstrual cycle
Younger than 40 years old with suspected premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Over 50 years old and using progestogen-only contraception
The BMS recommends checking for an elevated FSH level by taking two blood samples four to six weeks apart. You should seek specialist advice when analysing the results, as serum FSH levels can appear unreliable in the presence of tamoxifen (a synthetic drug used to treat breast cancer and infertility in women.
NICE also say that if you’re over 50 and your FSH levels are in the premenopausal range, you should continue using the contraception and recheck FSH levels in one year. Also, to be aware that an elevated serum FSH level above 30 IU/L could indicate a degree of POI, but not necessarily that you’re sterile.
For more information, check out our guide on the early signs of menopause to gain a better understanding of what to expect during this phase of life and how to access the best support possible.
HRT and the menopause
HRT is a treatment used to help women with menopause symptoms by replacing oestrogen and progesterone, which can fall low during this time. This can be with a combination of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone via tablets, patches, gels, or sprays.
HRT can be an effective method when it comes to treating and managing menopausal symptoms and improving a person’s quality of life.
However, it’s advised to check with your GP first if you’re over 45 years old, experiencing menopause symptoms, and considering HRT to see if it is the right course of action for you. You should also consult a specialist if you’re under 45 and think you may be having menopause symptoms, as you could be in the premenopause stage of your life.
How long should take HRT during menopause?
The length of time you take HRT can vary and is an individual decision. NICE guidelines cited by Oxford University Hospitals recommend that HRT should be taken by those suffering from unpleasant menopausal symptoms to improve their quality of life.
For younger women, NICE recommends that HRT should be taken until at least the average age of natural menopause (51 years), after which the decision to continue should be reassessed.
It’s recommended that you speak with your doctor before making any decisions about stopping or continuing with HRT.
When is the best time for HRT during menopause?
Studies suggest the best time for using HRT is within 10 years of the final menstrual period, but before the age of 60. This is to reduce the likelihood of strokes, systemic embolism, and transient ischemic attacks.
What are the most common benefits of HRT during menopause?
Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) includes a range of hormonal treatments aimed at reducing the negative side effects of menopausal symptoms.
Widely considered the most effective treatment to manage menopause, its use has dropped since the release of a 2002 study by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) that found MHT increased the risk of cardiovascular disease in older women. These findings primarily applied to postmenopausal women aged 60 years or older who were prescribed a single type of MHT.
As a result, MHT uptake by UK women aged 50 to 74 fell by more than half between 2001 and 2005, from 29% to around 11%. Similar trends were also observed in the USA and Canada, where the popularity of the treatment dropped by 46% and 28%, respectively.
Subsequent analysis showed that the continuous combined use of MHT in younger women aged 50 to 59, or those with 10 years of menopause onset, actually reduced the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). This is supported by further research, which suggests that HRT started in women under the age of 60 or within 10 years of the menopause reduces the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular-related deaths.
Other health benefits of HRT include reducing the impact of osteoporosis. It’s estimated that more than 250,000 menopausal and postmenopausal women are affected by osteoporosis, caused mainly by a deficiency in oestrogen.
At the age of 40, women begin to lose bone density at a rate of 0.3% to 0.5% per year. During menopause, this can result in bone loss of between 3% and 5% over a period of up to seven years. Therefore, HRT can form part of the solution in protecting women against menopausal bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
Evidence suggests that HRT can be very effective in relieving women of hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia (when compared to a placebo). It can also improve joint pains, boost sex drive, and reduce levels of sleepiness.
A large-scale French study cited by The Fawcett Society found no increase in breast cancer risk after five years of taking newer forms of micronised body-identical progesterone and only a slight increase when compared to older forms of progesterone.
Further studies point to the associated link between HRT and a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis while being taken, and a lower chance of developing cardiovascular disease if taken within 10 years of the menopause beginning.
More recent evidence found that HRT use lowered the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in women, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, which tend to affect women disproportionately. Research suggests that these protective elements occur when HRT is taken as soon as perimenopausal symptoms begin.
For more information, check out our latest diabetes statistics report to see how diabetes is impacting women across the UK and beyond as they enter the mid to later stages of their lives.
UK government schemes for HRT during menopause
In 2023, the UK government introduced a new scheme to provide more affordable HRT, aiming to help manage menopausal symptoms.
It’s estimated that the HRT prescription payment certificate (PPC) will help around 400,000 women by reducing costs to less than £20 a year.
They also announced £25 million worth of investment in women’s health hubs, which provide integrated services for women in the community. This will enable easier access to women’s health services, including menstrual health, contraception, and menopausal care.
How many women are taking HRT?
Latest NHS figures reveal that, during 2023/24:
Around 13 million HRT items were prescribed on the NHS, representing a 22% increase from the previous year.
The estimated number of identified patients increased by 12% in 12 months, from 2.3 million to 2.6 million.
Utrogestan 100mg tablet sales increased by 42% compared to 2022/23, from 940,000 to 1.3 million.
The largest group of identified patients were aged 50 to 54, accounting for almost a quarter of all identified patients for the year.
The least deprived parts of England had more than twice as many women receiving HRT as the most deprived areas.
HRT usage and the menopause based on previous health history
The use of HRT can vary depending on a woman’s health history, especially when it comes to any gynaecological surgery she may have had.
Of those surveyed, two-thirds (66%) of women who underwent a bilateral oophorectomy (a surgical procedure to remove both ovaries) were using HRT, followed by just under half (48%) who had a hysterectomy without a bilateral oophorectomy.
At the other end of the scale, just 6% of women who were using HRT had previously experienced breast cancer, the lowest percentage across the study.
What percentage of women have taken HRT?
Menopause research by The Fawcett Society found that around one in seven (14%) respondents were currently taking HRT, with almost four in five (79%) who had never tried it.
The percentage of women taking HRT at different stages of the menopause
Phase of the menopause
Taking HRT
Used to take HRT but have stopped
Perimenopause
11%
4%
Menopause
22%
9%
Post-menopause
8%
14%
(Source: Fawcett Society)
Approximately a fifth (22%) of women in the menopausal age range were taking HRT. This was double the proportion compared to those in the perimenopause stage and almost three times more than those in post-menopause.
Conversely, around one in seven (14%) women in the post-menopause phase admitted they used to take HRT, but have since stopped, compared to less than one in 10 (9%) in the menopause, and one in 25 (4%) in the perimenopause.
The percentage of women taking HRT by different socio-economic groups
Findings from The Fawcett Society also indicate differences in HRT usage between various groups of women.
They found that:
White women were around twice as likely to be using HRT as those from non-white backgrounds.
More than a fifth (22%) of women with five or more severe menopause symptoms were on HRT (almost three times less compared to the proportion who have never taken it).
Those from wealthier backgrounds (AB) were more likely to be using HRT than those from lower-income groups (DE), at 16% and 12%, respectively.
The main impacts of HRT for those currently taking it
More than half (54%) of those surveyed by The Fawcett Society claimed that using HRT had given them their life back, with more than a third (36%) admitting they now felt more productive at work because of this therapy.
On the flip side, just under a fifth (18%) felt HRT was not helping them much, with one in 50 (2%) planning to stop HRT altogether due to the side effects.
The main reasons why women have stopped taking HRT
Of those who said they have stopped HRT, more than a quarter (27%) claimed this was because the side effects were too severe.
A fifth (20%)felt their symptoms had improved to the point where they no longer needed it, with roughly a sixth (17%) worried about the risk of cancer.
Incidentally, a similar proportion felt HRT did not help but were not offered an alternative solution. Just over one in 10 (12%) said they would like to try HRT again but cannot get access to the treatment.
The main reasons why women have not tried HRT
Statement
Percentage of respondents (%)
Not needed (symptoms were not a problem)
28%
Worried about the risk of cancer
24%
Did not know enough about it
24%
Would like to know more about it
21%
(Source: Fawcett Society)
92% of those questioned who had not tried HRT said they had heard of it and were aware it existed.
The most cited reason for not trying HRT was that they did not need to, as their symptoms were not a problem. This was the case for more than a quarter (28%) of women in the study.
“HRT can be life-changing for many women, helping with hot flushes, sleep problems, and mood changes. But it's not a one-size-fits-all medicine, and what works brilliantly for one person might not suit you.
“It's important to get the right information from trusted sources like your GP or from reputable organisations like the British Menopause Society. Your healthcare provider can explain the different types of HRT, including doses and delivery methods (such as tablets, patches, or creams), as well as any potential side effects (like headaches) or risks, to help you make a decision.”
Claire Irwin, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U
Menopause symptom statistics
All women will experience menopause at some point in their lives, with around 80% of women experiencing menopause by the time they reach 54 years old.
Whilst not all may experience menopausal symptoms, it’s estimated that between 80% and 90% will, with 25% describing them as severe and debilitating.
Prevalence of menopause symptoms
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE):
More than 75% of women experience menopausal symptoms, with 25% describing them as severe.
A third of women experience long-term symptoms, which can last for at least seven years.
Vasomotor symptoms (i.e., hot flushes and night sweats) are the most reported menopausal symptoms amongst women, occurring in around 80% of cases.
Most common menopause symptoms
The most common symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats, experienced by 70% to 80% of women.
Average menopausal symptoms usually last at least seven years, with estimates suggesting more than a third of women will experience long-term menopausal symptoms several years beyond that.
The most common symptoms of menopause
Menopause research by the CIPD found that just over two-thirds of women (67%) surveyed aged 40 to 60 had suffered from psychological issues during the menopause. This includes mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, memory loss, panic attacks, loss of confidence, and reduced concentration, and was found to be the most reported side effect of menopause.
This was followed closely by hot flushes and sleep disturbances (excluding night sweats), both of which were reported by 66% of respondents.
The most common vaginal symptoms and signs associated with the menopause
A multicentre, cross-sectional investigation by Cagnacci et al. (2019) found that, of those who reported vaginal symptoms during menopause, vaginal atrophy was diagnosed in 36.8% of cases. The prevalence ranged from 19.2% in 40 to 45-year-olds, up to 53.8% for those between 52 and 55 years old.
They also found that vaginal dryness was the most commonly reported vaginal symptom and sign of menopause, in 64.0% and 60.3% of respective cases.
A 2016 study by Moral et al. found that the prevalence of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) was around 70% and was diagnosed in 60.2% of women with no known diagnosis of vulvovaginal atrophy or GSM.
They also found that the most prevalent symptoms were vaginal dryness (93.3%) and reduced lubrication with sexual activity (90.0%), with 93.7% of women displaying decreased moisture and 78.4% experiencing a loss of vaginal rugae.
Vaginal atrophy - changes in the vagina caused by a significant decrease in oestrogen levels. Genitourinary syndrome - a chronic condition of the vulva, vagina nad lower unirary tracted characterised by symptoms such as (but not limited to) vaginal dryness, irritation, burning, itching, and/or thinning/preying of public hair and vaginal pelvic pains. Vaginal rugae - where the walls of the vagina begin to smooth out and lose their folds due to muscle contraction.
The most common symptoms of menopause by level of severity
According to recent menopause statistics from the Fawcett Society, the biggest symptom that women struggled with during the menopause was difficulty sleeping or exhaustion. This was reported by more than four-fifths (84%) of respondents, followed by almost three-quarters (73%) who had difficult experiences with brain fog.
Seven in 10 (70%) women claimed to suffer from severe hot flushes or night sweats, with a slightly smaller proportion indicating that anxiety, depression, and/or joint pain/stiffness was their most severe symptom of the menopause.
Incidentally, the survey revealed that the least severe symptoms of the menopause were heart palpitations and vaginal dryness or a urinary tract infection (UTI), both experienced by around two-fifths of women (41% and 39% respectively).
Number of menopause symptoms that have been ‘very difficult’
Number of symptoms
Percentage of respondents (%)
None
23%
1 to 2
33%
3 to 4
26%
5 or more
18%
(Source: Fawcett Society)
A third (33%) of women surveyed claimed to experience one or two very difficult symptoms during the menopause, with just over a quarter (26%) dealing with three or four.
Less than one in five (18%) women questioned said they had five or more severe menopausal symptoms during this time, compared to almost one in four (23%) who reported none.
“Sudden hot flushes, nights spent tossing and turning, or forgetting why you walked into a room, are all normal menopausal symptoms. Despite them being a common part of this transition, it doesn't make them any less distressing. Start by keeping a symptom diary to identify triggers (stress, caffeine, and alcohol are common) or make simple changes such as wearing light layers, exercising regularly, and practising mindfulness techniques.
“However, if symptoms are disrupting your life, book an appointment to see your GP. Whether it's HRT or talking therapies, effective treatments exist. This phase will pass, and with the right support, you can feel yourself again."
Claire Irwin, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U
The most common menopause symptoms by disability status
According to menopause stats from the Fawcett Society, disabled women tend to report more severe menopause symptoms than those without a disability.
For example:
More than nine in 10 (92%) disabled women had trouble sleeping or suffered from exhaustion during menopause. This was nine percentage points higher than their non-disabled counterparts.
More than four-fifths (85%) of disabled women claimed to experience brain fog during menopause and suffer from joint pain or stiffness (82%). Respectively, this was 15 and 19 percentage points higher than those without a disability.
A range of vaginal HRT treatments is also available to help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause that are concentrated in the vaginal area.
Attitudes towards the menopause
A 2024 survey by the BMS found that:
72% of women questioned believe that newly qualified healthcare professionals (HCPs) have not received sufficient education about the menopause.
55% believe there is insufficient evidence-based education and training for HCPs.
98% say more women are seeking treatments for their menopause symptoms.
72% felt women do not have adequate access to menopause services.
BMS members were also surveyed to find out their perceptions and feelings towards menopause and how women manage this stage in their lives.
Nearly 80% of respondents reported that women get their information from social media, with almost 50% of that information coming from influencers.
78% experience difficulties managing expectations around HRT.
78% said they spend additional time correcting misinformation
64% had witnessed women buying products/services that aren’t clinically verified.
14% feared that legal action would be taken against them.
The percentage of women who have spoken to their GP about menopause
Just over half (55%) of women surveyed by The Fawcett Society claim to have spoken to their GP or someone at their practice about the menopause.
This figure rose to almost three-fifths (58%) of women aged 52 to 55, compared to exactly half (50%) of those aged 45 to 48.
Almost two-thirds (65%) of those with a disability admit to speaking to a GP about going through menopause. Yet, this figure for non-disabled people stood at just over half (53%).
Finally, less than three in 10 (29%) women experiencing five or more severe menopausal symptoms reported seeking medical advice from a GP during this period.
The percentage of women who felt there were too many appointments before their GP realised they were menopausal or perimenopausal
On average, around one in three (31%) women surveyed felt that there are too many appointments with a GP before they are diagnosed as being menopausal or perimenopausal.
This sentiment was strongest amongst women of colour (45%) and those experiencing five or more severe symptoms (42%).
Further findings from The Fawcett Society show that, of those who had visited their GP:
67% felt their healthcare professional was well informed about the menopause or perimenopause, with 18% strongly disagreeing.
39% were offered HRT once they were diagnosed with menopause (even though NICE guidelines state that HRT should be a first port of call when discussing treatment options with patients, alongside the potential risks and benefits). This rose to 42% for those experiencing three to four severe symptoms and 44% for those with five or more severe symptoms.
28% reported being given information that made them worried.
The survey also highlights that 45% who used to take HRT but have stopped agreed that this has happened to them, as did 37% of women with five or more severe symptoms.
Just over four-fifths (81%) felt that the government should run more public campaigns to inform people about the menopause (compared to 4% who disagreed)
87% also agreed that all women in their 40s and 50s should be invited for routine appointments by their GP to discuss the menopause and its potential symptoms
Did you know? An FOI request from menopause campaigner Diane Danzebrink in 2021 found that 41% of UK universities do not have mandatory menopause education as part of the curriculum. This issue is highlighted by the government’s Women’s Health Strategy consultation, which notes that menopause training is often not compulsory and relies on self-directed learning by the individual.
The UK’s first National Menopause Education and Support Programme was launched in 2023, aiming to provide women with a better understanding of the changes happening to their bodies, alongside peer support from those experiencing similar situations.
Research published by Professor Joyce Harper suggests that 90% of postmenopausal women were not taught about menopause at school, and 60% only began looking for information on the topic when they started to display symptoms.
Attitudes towards the menopause by women from different ethnic groups
More than half of women from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups say they do not feel represented in current conversations around menopause, as it focuses too heavily on the experiences of white women.
A quarter also finds it difficult to access menopause support in their community.
Average weight gain during menopause
Research by Knight et al.concluded that over 43% of menopausal women are obese and that, on average, women gain one pound per year during menopausal transition.
They found that average weight gain varies from woman to woman, with 20% or more gaining at least 10 pounds during the menopause.
In developed countries, women live approximately one-third of their life (or about 30 years) after menopause, with roughly two-thirds of women over the age of 40 considered overweight or obese, according to recent obesity statistics.
50% of post-menopausal women surveyed across Europe claimed an increase of at least 4.5kg (9.9lbs) in weight during menopause, compared to only 4% reporting a decrease of the same amount.
During a three-year study of women aged 42 to 50, most gained weight with an average weight gain of 2.2 ± 4.1 kg (4.9 ± 9.0lbs) during this period. 20% of women gained more than 4.5kg (9.9lbs), with 3% losing more than this.
However, the study revealed considerable variability in weight change, ranging from a loss of 14.8kg (32.6lbs) to a weight gain of 32.4kg (71.4lbs).
According to Women’s Health Concern, women typically gain around 1.5kg (3.3lbs) per year during perimenopause, with an average total weight gain of 10kg (22lbs) by the end of the menopause.
As oestrogen levels decline, the body becomes more susceptible to laying down internal fat around the abdomen. As the body ages, it tends to lose lean muscle tissue, resulting in a decrease in metabolic rate. Some women may adopt a more sedentary lifestyle and increase calorie intake during this time, leading to weight gain.
A review of menopause research by Kodoth et al. found that weight gain is a symptom of menopause experienced by 60% to 70% of women.
After the age of 30, muscle mass declines by 3% to 8%. Women gain an average of 1.5 pounds per year during the mid-life period (50 to 60 years old), with the menopausal transition beginning five to 10 years before the final menstrual period (FMP).
A Canadian group study, which followed premenopausal women for five years to analyse weight changes, found that, on average, visceral fat increased from 5% to 8% of total body fat in the premenopausal stage to 15% to 20% in the postmenopausal stage.
Another study by Gambacciani et al. found that an 8-pound to 20-pound increase in weight among women aged 34 to 59 resulted in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease by 27%.
For information, facts, and stats about weight loss, check out our latest weight loss statistics report to see the most common ways in which people are losing weight and getting healthy.
Menopause market statistics
The global menopause market size was valued at £13.31 billion ($17.79 billion) in 2024. By 2030, it is projected to reach £18.21 billion ($24.35 billion), representing an increase of approximately 36.9% over six years.
The North American menopause industry is the dominant force in the global market. This accounted for 37.4% of total worldwide revenue in 2024, with the US menopause industry holding the largest market share at 83.5%.
The dietary supplement segment contributed 94.2% to global menopause revenue in 2024, representing the largest share among all forms of menopause treatment for the year.
Menopause in the workplace statistics
Just over half (52%) of the women surveyed by The Fawcett Society claim that menopausal symptoms have never affected their ability to do their job.
Have menopause symptoms ever affected your ability to do your job (either now or in the past)?
Approximately a quarter (26%) said this was the case in the past, with around one in six (18%) admitting their current work performance was being impacted by the menopause.
Positive and negative impacts of menopause at work for those with and without a disability or long-term health condition
Just over two-thirds (67%) of those surveyed by CIPD felt the menopause had a negative impact on them at work, with just over a quarter (28%) stating it had no effect at all.
Women with a disability or long-term health condition reported more negative sentiments towards the menopause at work compared to those without a disability or long-term health condition (71% vs. 64%, respectively).
The most common negative impacts of menopause at work
Almost four-fifths (79%) of women questioned by CIPD felt they weren’t able to concentrate at work due to the menopause, followed by more than two-thirds (68%) who reported feeling more stressed.
Just under half (49%) felt less patient as a result of going through the menopause whilst working, with slightly fewer able to carry out tasks as they used to or experiencing more pressure in the workplace since starting the menopause.
“Managing menopause while juggling work responsibilities can feel daunting, but employers are legally required to ensure the health and safety of all staff. Start by speaking to HR or your manager, as many organisations now recognise menopause as an occupational health issue. You can request reasonable adjustments like flexible working, temperature control, easy bathroom access, or brief breaks if brain fog hits. Keeping a fan or cooling wipes on your desk may also help you feel more comfortable at work.”
Claire Irwin, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U
The most common experiences of those unable to work due to menopause symptoms
Menopause statistics related to the workplace show that just under half (47%) of women surveyed have never been unable to go into work due to their menopause symptoms.
Just over one in 10 (11%)told their manager about it, with an identical proportion mentioning the symptoms, but not labelling them as part of the menopause.
Almost one-fifth (18%) of women chose not to tell their manager that they were going through the menopause and/or were experiencing symptoms.
Further findings from CIPD show that:
46% of those who hadn’t told their manager that their menopause was the reason why they couldn’t come into work said that they preferred to keep it private.
41% were worried their manager would presume their performance would be affected, and 34% felt their manager would be unsupportive.
Those from the LGBT+ community felt less supported by their manager regarding their menopause symptoms (47%).
31% of those surveyed were embarrassed to mention it to their boss, with this number rising to 42% for those from ethnic minority groups.
The main reasons given to employers for taking time off due to menopause symptoms
Recent menopause statistics show that, when women take time off work due to menopause symptoms, they don’t always give this as the reason to their employer.
Almost two-fifths (39%) of those surveyed said they missed work due to anxiety or depression (the most common response).
This was followed by a fifth (20%) who claimed this was because of other physical illnesses, and around a tenth (11%) who said this was for personal or mental health reasons.
In all, just three in 10 (30%) of those women questioned admitted to their employer that their absence was due to menopausal symptoms.
Do people feel discriminated against in the workplace due to menopausal symptoms?
Just over one in 10 (12%) of those women questioned felt discriminated against in the workplace due to the menopause, a figure that was in line with those from white and ethnic minorities.
However, one-fifth (20%) of those with a disability said they felt discriminated against at work due to menopausal symptoms, more than double the proportion for those without a disability (9%).
The most common ways in which people feel discriminated against due to menopausal symptoms
Of those women who said they felt discriminated against at work due to menopausal symptoms, just under half (46%) expressed concerns about the lack of support, help, and/or understanding from their manager.
This was followed by just over one in 10 (11%) who felt they were labelled as old or that younger colleagues were making jokes about older people in the workplace.
The percentage of women who have not applied for a promotion due to menopause
Group
Percentage of respondents (%)
All
8%
AB social group (high income)
9%
C2/D3 social group (low income)
6%
Disabled
14%
Non-disabled
7%
(Source: Fawcett Society)
When questioned, less than one in 10 women (8%) admitted they had not applied for a promotion due to menopause.
Other trends from the survey show that:
This figure remained broadly in line for those from higher-income groups (AB) at 9% but dropped to 6% for those from low-income backgrounds (C2/D3).
4% said they had not taken a promotion that was offered.
The proportion of disabled women who didn’t apply for a promotion at work due to menopause was double that of non-disabled women in the workplace (14% vs. 7%).
The percentage of women who have seen menopause treated as a joke in the workplace
Just over two-fifths (41%) of women questioned said they had seen menopause treated as a joke in the workplace.
This figure rose to more than half (54%) for those not in work during the menopause and almost three-fifths (58%) for those with a disability.
In all, roughly three in five women (61%) said they had lost motivation due to their symptoms, and just over half (52%) admitted they had lost confidence as a result.
Outcomes vary when respondents were asked about menopause being treated as a joke in the workplace. In a study by Bristol University, around three in 10 (30.5%) people said they had experienced jokes about menopause while at work, which put them off talking about the issue. This figure rose to more than half (56%) in a Wales TUC menopause survey.
Issues with dress codes for women during menopause
Around one in five (21%) women admitted that they had experienced discomfort with their work uniform during menopause, with just over a third (34%) stating no issues.
Generally speaking, as women’s level of income decreases, the level of discomfort about dress code increases. For example, around one in three (31%) women in the highest income bracket (AB) claimed their uniform was not comfortable, rising to two in five (40%) in the lowest income group (DE).
Impact of menopause on women’s career progression
Impact
All
Disabled
Not disabled
White
Ethnic minority
Positive
1%
2%
1%
1%
4%
No impact
64%
53%
67%
66%
50%
Negative
27%
36%
24%
26%
38%
Don’t know
8%
9%
8%
8%
9%
(Source: CIPD)
Recent menopause stats reveal that almost two-thirds (64%) of women felt that the menopause had no impact on their career progression.
Just over a quarter (27%) believed that the menopause had a negative effect on their long-term job prospects, with just 1% of the opinion that it helped them progress.
When broken down by different groups:
More than a third (36%) of disabled women claimed the menopause was holding them back from progressing in their careers, compared to just under a quarter (24%) of non-disabled women.
Just under two-fifths (38%) of ethnic minorities felt the menopause was a hindrance to their career options. This was contrasted by just over a quarter (26%) of White women.
The percentage of women who have reduced their working hours due to menopause
Group
Percentage of respondents who have reduced working hours (%)
Percentage of respondents who have gone part-time (%)
All
14%
14%
Disabled
23%
23%
5+ symptoms
25%
24%
Considered doing it
18%
14%
(Source: Fawcett Society)
Around one in seven (14%) women questioned said they have either reduced their hours or gone part-time due to menopause.
This figure rose to around a quarter (23%) for those with a disability and/or experiencing five or more severe menopause symptoms.
Almost a fifth (18%) of women had considered cutting down their working hours, with around one in seven (14%) claiming they had thought about going part-time because of menopause.
How many women have left work due to menopause?
Just 6% of those women surveyed by CIPD claim to have left their place of work due to the menopause, with a further 17% stating they have considered doing so.
These figures jump to 8% and 24%, respectively, for those from the disabled population (compared to 5% and 14% for those not registered as disabled).
Further findings from the Fawcett Society’s Menopause and the Workplace Report suggest that:
10% of menopausal women left their jobs due to their symptoms. Assuming there are five million women aged 45 to 55 across the UK, this would represent approximately 333,000 women leaving their workplace due to the menopause.
13% considered leaving their job. These figures were higher for disabled women (22%) and those experiencing five or more ‘very difficult’ symptoms (19%).
3% of women surveyed had retired early. 13% had considered it, with an identical percentage of those already out of work having decided to leave work before their official retirement age.
4% had been fired or made redundant due to their menopausal symptoms. These figures were higher for disabled women (12%) and those experiencing five or more ‘very difficult’ symptoms (9%).
The economic impact of menopause on the workforce in different countries
Canada
USA
UK
Germany
Women aged 45 to 55 (as a percentage of the workforce) (%)
9.70%
8.97%
11.84%
10.43%
Percentage of women leaving the workforce during menopause (%)
14%
13%
10%
10%
Lost days of work attributed to menopause symptom management
540,000
4,900,000
14,000,000
40,000,000
Lost income due to reduction in work hours (USD)
$3.3bn
$1.8bn
$2.4bn
$9.9bn
(Source: FP Analytics)
According to a 2025 report by FP Analytics, almost one in eight UK workers is a female aged between 45 and 55, compared to the USA and Canada, where the figure is below one in 10.
It’s estimated that approximately one in 10 (10%) women in the UK leave the workforce during menopause (a figure that is comparable to Germany (10%) and slightly less than Canada and the USA, where respective figures are around one in seven (9.70% vs. 8.97%, respectively)).
In their menopause report, FP Analytics also concluded that:
There are around 14 million lost days of work in the UK that can be attributed to menopause symptom management. This translates to a loss of roughly $2.4 billion each year.
The UK loses around three times more workdays due to menopause symptom management compared to the USA, yet the economic impact of this ($1.8 billion) is less than half that of the UK, by comparison.
Canada reportedly loses around 540,000 days per year due to women managing their menopause symptoms. Yet, the predicted financial loss of this is $3.3 billion (37.5% more than the UK).
Germany has almost three times as many lost days each year due to menopause as the UK. However, this reduction in work hours costs an estimated $9.9 billion, more than four times the amount compared to the UK.
How supported do people feel at work with the menopause?
50% of the women surveyed felt supported by colleagues during their menopause, compared to less than two-fifths (37%) by their manager and just over a third (34%) by their employer.
Overall, almost three in 10 (28%) women believed their employer to be unsupportive concerning the menopause, compared to nearly a quarter (24%)by their manager and around a sixth (16%) by their colleagues.
Types of support in place at work to support people during menopause
Just under half (47%) of the women questioned about their experiences of menopause in the workplace said there was a written menopause policy in place, with a similar proportion (46%) claiming there was a menopause support network for employees.
Just under two-fifths (37%) said they had access to drinking water, were provided with menopause training, and had easily accessible advice in the workplace, such as posters and intranet resources on menopause symptoms.
Steps taken by employers regarding the menopause
When provided with a list of steps that employers could take to support women during menopause, around four in five (79%) of the women surveyed claimed that none of these were being followed or had been introduced in their workplace.
Almost a fifth (19%) of women reported that their employer had shared information about menopause, but only just over half of these found it helpful.
Around one in 10 (11%)said a support network had been established at work, and senior leaders had raised awareness among colleagues, both of which were appreciated.
In all, around four-fifths (81%) agreed that all employers should have an action plan in place to help their employees with the menopause.
Did you know? In 2021, the UK government launched the Menopause Pathway Improvement Programme, which aims to enhance clinical care, reduce disparities in access to treatment, and provide education for healthcare professionals regarding menopause.
Menopause FAQs
At what age do you start menopause?
Most women start the menopause around 45 years old, but this can vary. Some women experience premature menopause, which happens before the age of 40.
At what age do women go through menopause?
Most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with an average age of approximately 51. However, this can happen earlier (before the age of 40) if a woman is premenopausal.
How long does menopause last in the UK?
There is no exact length of time that menopause lasts in the UK, as it varies from woman to woman. The BMS found that average menopausal symptoms typically last around seven years, with estimates suggesting that a third of women could experience long-term menopausal symptoms for much longer.
What’s the average menopause age?
The average age of menopause is around 51 years old.
What’s the average menopause age range?
The average age range for menopause is between 45 and 55 years old, although it can occur earlier.
How long does surgical menopause last?
The length of time that surgical menopause lasts can vary from woman to woman and is reliant upon several factors, notably at what age the surgery takes place, the woman’s hormone levels, and how her body responds to any HRT she is given.
Current guidelines state that all women under 45 years old undergoing surgical menopause should be offered HRT until the age of 51 (the average menopause age), unless there are contraindications to treatment or underlying health conditions preventing them from taking it.
Once a woman reaches 51, then an informed decision should be made alongside healthcare professionals as to whether HRT should continue or whether alternatives should be considered. However, this will likely be on a case-by-case basis.
When does menopause end?
The menopause ends once a woman hasn’t experienced a period for more than 12 months. This usually occurs around 55 but can be later or earlier.
What FSH level indicates menopause?
FSH levels can vary depending on which stage of the menstrual cycle you’re in. This can range from 1-9IU/L in the initial phase (follicular) and third phase (luteal), up to 118IU/L by post-menopause.
However, the BMS recommends taking two blood samples, each four to six weeks apart, to check for elevated FSH levels. It’s also advised to seek specialist help when analysing the results, as serum FSH can be unreliable, particularly if tamoxifen is present.
What are normal postmenopausal hormone levels?
Even after factoring in age, it’s believed that postmenopausal women are 1.6 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome (MetS).
How many menopause symptoms are there?
According to the Menopause Charity, there are more than 34 menopause symptoms that a woman may experience during this time in her life.
What is the average weight gain during menopause?
Research by Knight et al. found that the average weight gain during menopause was one pound per year. They concluded that average weight gain during this time can vary from woman to woman, with 20% or more gaining at least 10 pounds during menopausal transition.
UK population data were collected from the World Bank for the number of women aged 45 to 49 and 50 to 54 for each year between 2015 and 2024.
Forecasting was then used to predict future population change up until 2035.
Countries with the highest and lowest proportions in menopause
The most recent available population data were obtained from the World Bank for the number of women aged 45 to 49 and 50 to 54 (i.e., the menopause population), as well as the total population in various countries worldwide.
The menopause population was calculated as a percentage of the total population to determine the proportion of women in menopause relative to the country’s overall population size.
Using this figure, countries were ranked from highest to lowest to determine the top 10 and bottom 10 countries from the list.
Factors that affect the average menopause age
Data on various socio-economic factors were obtained from the World Bank and Our World In Data websites, and correlated with the average age of menopause data from World Population Review to determine the relationship between these variables.
These included:
Healthy diet cost (USD)
Female literacy rate
GDP per capita
Life expectancy at birth
Menopausal population (i.e., those aged 45 to 54)
Health expenditure (as a percentage of GDP)
A Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient was conducted to determine the strength of the relationship between these variables and the average menopause age of each country.
Outcomes are based on a scale from +1 to -1. A positive score indicates a positive correlation between those variables (i.e., as one increases, so does the other), and a negative score means the opposite (i.e., as one increases, the other decreases). A score of 0 indicates no correlation exists between the variables.
The closer a score is to +1 or -1, the more it indicates the relative strength of the relationship between those two variables.
UK menopause market statistics
Data was obtained from Grand View Research and converted into British pounds using Google's currency converter. Data correct as of 08/10/2025. Original stats are included in the content in brackets.
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