As well as causing physical and emotional symptoms, the menopause can have a dramatic impact on relationships, according to a new survey of 1,000 women. Seven out of 10 women blamed the menopause for their divorce or marital problems, with some saying it increased arguments or domestic abuse.
Only a third of respondents polled by the Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health said they had been offered treatment, with many believing it could have potentially saved their marriage.
“Menopause can be such a challenging time for two people in a relationship,” said psychotherapist Cathy Press, author of When Love Bites: A Young Person’s Guide to Escaping Harmful, Toxic and Hurtful Relationships. She lists mood swings, physical changes, disrupted sleep and night sweats as just some of the potential effects of menopause, which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, and perimenopause can start up to a decade before.
