A new survey has found younger generations are more clued-up on the matter of menopause than previous generations, with 63% believing the stigma around it has decreased in the last decade
More than half of young women feel they now have a better understanding of what to expect from the menopause, this is thanks to a growing culture of openness and women speaking candidly about their experiences. Many women believe younger generations today are far more informed about the menopause compared to previous generations.
Recent research suggests this increased awareness is making a tangible difference, with many women feeling better prepared to manage symptoms effectively. For 17%, this newfound openness has helped them feel more confident and less anxious or embarrassed about the prospect of experiencing menopause in the years to come.
Out of a survey of 2,000 women, 63% believe the stigma around menopause has lessened over the past decade. Workplace support is also seen as a crucial area for improving menopause awareness. More than four in 10 women (41%) believe that introducing more workplace initiatives would help foster greater understanding of the issue.
Just 23% of respondents said they are aware of or have been involved in menopause-related discussions where they currently work. However, encouragingly, for those who have participated in workplace conversations about menopause, the majority (82%) said it has left them feeling reassured about what lies ahead.
Six in ten say they are now embracing ageing and everything that comes with it. Consequently, 40% of these women feel more comfortable discussing it with others, while 29% feel more in control of their overall health and wellbeing.
Cherry Healey, representing Replens which backed the study, commented: “The menopause was something that was seen as unimportant until you were going through it. But this research shows it’s really important to start thinking about the menopause, in many cases here, long before it starts to affect you physically.”
“Forewarned is forearmed,” she said, adding “there are very few occasions in life when having knowledge about something wasn’t useful to have.”
Many still feel that there isn’t currently enough public information available about the menopause, however the research found that 65% of millennial women consider themselves very or somewhat knowledgeable about it.
While 36% of Millennial women source most of their information from social media, a larger proportion rely on friends and family and over half have had a conversation about ageing with someone older than themselves.
Cherry Healey, speaking for Replens, added: “Menopause is no longer something women should shy away from. As awareness grows, we’re seeing women – especially millennials like myself – feel more empowered and better prepared to manage their symptoms.
“This shift is crucial, as the older of my generation are now reaching their menopausal years. However, when it comes to vaginal dryness, there’s still some hesitation to speak openly about it. We aim to break this taboo by offering both education and trusted products, helping women feel comfortable and supported during this natural life stage.”
