New Research Reveals Impact of Menopause Stigma
Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet existing data reveals that many individuals going through it feel ashamed and embarrassed by their symptoms. This often stems from limited awareness and negative societal attitudes, which perpetuate menopause-related stigma. Such stigma can prevent individuals from seeking appropriate support and significantly impact their well-being, including their career performance and advancement in the workplace1.
Breaking the Silence: Understanding Menopause Stigma
As part of our commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding this important life stage, Astellas developed The Menopause Experience & Attitudes Study in partnership with global clinical experts and menopause advocacy leaders across the world, to examine and track societal attitudes, personal experiences, and the stigma surrounding menopause and perimenopause.
The study, which included both the general public and individuals with experience of menopause, was conducted in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Mexico and the U.S and involved a total of 13,800 people.
Menopause Stigma is a Pervasive Reality
The study shows menopause significantly affects women’s mental health and job satisfaction, influencing their workplace engagement and productivity, with:1
- Two thirds (65%) having experienced negative psychological feelings due to menopause. Including anxiety (41%), depression (33%), embarrassment (24%) and shame (11%).
- 36% experienced some kind of negative impact in the workplace, from reduced productivity (17%), to fear of telling colleagues (14%), to outright discrimination (7%) and only a quarter (24%) feel comfortable talking to their line manager.
- Over half (57%) of respondents believe women are not well supported at work.
The study also found that many of the barriers preventing optimal support in menopause stem from the stigma associated with this natural life stage1.
- Over half (59%) of those surveyed believe menopause is a taboo topic that people are uncomfortable discussing.
- Only a quarter (25%) think menopause is portrayed positively in society and two thirds (66%) think that menopause and its symptoms are often not taken seriously.
It is important to recognise that every woman’s journey through menopause is different. While some women do not experience noticeable changes, 1 in 4 women will experience severely debilitating symptoms2.
Taking Action Towards a Future Free from Menopause Stigma
The study findings illuminate the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address menopause-related stigma. By raising awareness and understanding through education, providing accurate information and resources, and advocating for supportive policies, we can challenge misconceptions and improve outcomes for those experiencing menopause. Additionally, cultivating inclusive environments in both the workplace and society will help create a future where menopause is seen as a natural life stage, navigated with confidence, support, and dignity.
“The impact of societal stigma around menopause, and a need for further research, cannot be underestimated. As a result, Astellas commissioned insights research from nearly 14,000 people, which demonstrates that misconceptions and insufficient knowledge can be detrimental to women and the wider community. As a progressive partner in women’s health, we look forward to continuing to work with the menopause community to further enhance education, awareness, and support. We will continue to challenge outdated stereotypes so that women can navigate this important health transition with knowledge, confidence, and choice. With the right support, this should be a stage of life when women can thrive, not just endure." Chelsea Moran, Patient Partnerships Lead, Women’s Health, Astellas.
Guided by the findings from this research, Astellas is committed to playing a vital role in this transformative journey, working in partnership with the women's health community to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all those impacted by menopause.
We would like to extend our thanks to the experts who were part of the initial Expert Working Group* discussions about the survey, and the members of the Global Women’s Health Insights Panel* who reviewed and input into the survey itself.
*The Expert Working Group and the Global Women’s Health Insights Panel have been organised and funded by Astellas. Members receive a fee for their time and expertise.
The study was conducted online by survey provider Opinium. The data was collected from December 2024-January 2025.
About Menopause
Menopause is a natural occurrence in a woman’s reproductive cycle characterized by different stages3 :
1 Astellas Data on File. Menopause Experience and Attitudes Study. 2025.
2 Menopause Support. Info. [Online] Available at: https://menopausesupport.co.uk/?page_id=60. [Last accessed January 2025]
3 Cleveland Clinic. Menopause. n.d. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause. [Last accessed January 2025
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