Menopause Awareness: What We Learned from Women Aged 40–60

Recently, we went out to our community and asked what menopause means to them - here's what we found.

To mark Menopause Awareness Month, we conducted a pulse survey with women aged 40–60 from our Angelfish community, aiming to understand how supported they feel during this life stage—both in the workplace and in society.

The survey captured a range of perspectives from women across the UK, offering valuable insights into their experiences, challenges, and what they hope to see change. 

Who We Asked 

We reached out to a diverse group of women within the 40–60 age bracket, each bringing unique perspectives shaped by their personal and professional experiences. Through this pulse survey, we sought to explore the level of support available to them and how they feel menopause is represented in wider society. 

Key Findings 

Here are some of the key insights from our survey: 

Workplace Support

Just over half (53%) of the respondents said they felt supported by their employers, thanks to offerings such as wellness programs and online advice. However, a considerable number reported little to no meaningful support at work. While many workplaces claim to offer support, it's often the case that essential provisions such as flexible working hours are unavailable, leaving many women to manage symptoms on their own.

Representation in Media and Marketing

When asked if the media accurately portrays menopause, 73% of women said they don’t feel represented. For decades, portrayals of menopausal women have been fraught with stereotypes, often casting them as “past their prime.” Recent efforts to bring menopause into the mainstream are encouraging but still in the early days, and many women remain cautious about how these portrayals will evolve.

Products Marketed for Menopause

Responses to menopause-targeted products were split down the middle, with 50% of women having purchased items like supplements, skincare, or clothing. While some shared positive experiences, such as finding comfort in menopause-specific clothing, others expressed frustration over what they feel are opportunistic marketing tactics by brands keen to capitalise on menopause without genuine intent to help. 

Perceptions of Menopause

When asked what menopause means to them, responses varied from “independence” and “liberated” to “unpleasant” and “debilitating.” One response echoed a common sentiment: “Millions of people feeling misrepresented and misunderstood by everyone.” This range of perspectives reveals menopause as not only a physical transition but a deeply personal and often misunderstood life stage.

A Call for Greater Support and Representation 

Our findings highlight the need for more open conversations, support systems, and accurate media representation surrounding menopause. From employers providing meaningful support to media portraying menopause with dignity, there is ample room for progress.

At Angelfish Fieldwork, we are committed to sparking conversations that drive positive change, and these insights underline the importance of that commitment.

Need insights for your next project?

Reach out to Angelfish Fieldwork to see how our market research services can help you capture real-time insights and make informed business decisions. 

Whether you’re planning an upcoming pitch or finalising your research, Angelfish Fieldwork can help with insights and support. Explore some of our recent pulse surveys - find out what people thought about the 2024 Election Results and the 2024 Back to School period - and see how we can help you succeed. Get in touch today!