Four years of State of Menopause data measures how we've progressed, where we've fallen short, and opportunities to drive the change we still need.
This year's topics:
Year-over-year trends reveal women are speaking up more, reducing menopause stigma while also raising expectations for standards of care.
New data also signals a potential shift in how menopause will be managed in the future, as women aged 40-49 are seemingly navigating their symptoms differently than those over 50.
This year's State of Menopause surveyed 2,000+ women, aged 40-64, who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
1. Progress
Women are sharing their experiences with perimenopause and menopause now more than ever.
Year-over-year change from 2023 to 2024
+12%
Openly discuss menopause with friends and family
+14%
Talked to a healthcare provider about their menopause symptoms
Women aren't waiting until their doctor's appointments to ask questions. Instead, they're taking initiative to learn about their health from the social resources they have on-hand.
Year-over-year change from 2023 to 2024
+10%
Over 70% of women learn from online and in-person communities
+38%
Only 18% know the technical definition of menopause While this percentage is still drastically low, it's improving with time.
They're more educated, curious, and eager to share than ever before. But despite growing awareness, women continue to experience a lack of support while learning to navigate their symptoms.
Women are expecting more support for menopause—but their needs aren't being met, particularly in the workplace. To meet these needs, workplaces could offer a range of support, including increased time off and empathy from colleagues.
51%
More than 1 in 2 women want increased workplace accommodations for menopause
76%
More than 3 in 4 women have no workplace accommodations for menopause
We know women are talking to their friends and family more than ever, so it's not their loved ones who need to speak up. This data suggests a need for more public support for menopause.
2. Pitfalls
And it's worse for women under 50.
+50%
Compared to women aged 50+, those aged 40-49 are more likely to feel hopeless
+13%
Compared to 2023, women feel less prepared to deal with the daily disruption of menopause symptoms
This age-based difference suggests that the initial onset of symptoms during perimenopause may be the most difficult part of the menopause transition.
1 in 5 say their symptoms are worse than they could ever imagine.
48% of women believe menopausal women are seen as less productive or emotionally stable in the workplace.
49%
Nearly 1 in 2 women say menopause has impacted their job performance. When broken down by age, this impact is 27% higher for women under 50.
Career aspirations are also being affected, with 42% saying their symptoms have impacted their ambition.
A lack of menopause support may impact not only women's career growth, but also the economy. As of April 2024, women comprise 51% of the workforce in the United States.1
36%
36% of women report receiving conflicting medical advice from different healthcare professionals
56%
56% of women have been made to feel like they should "just deal with" their menopause symptoms
24%
Nearly 1 in 4 feel like their healthcare providers don't take menopause symptoms seriously
Last year's State of Menopause reported that 95% of women believe OBGYNs should be required to learn about menopause in medical school—on par with 2024 findings.
A recent survey by The Menopause Society found that only 31% of OBGYN residencies offer any type of menopause curriculum.2
3. Potential
<2%
Less than 2% of the NIH's 2024 budget was dedicated to women's health3
88%
88% of respondents say women's health should receive a quarter of the budget (or more)
Women are willing to use both their voting and buying power to increase support for women's health research.
That includes increased funding for menopause-related studies.
2 in 5 women say funding for women's health research will influence how they vote in the 2024 election.
More than 3 in 5 women are more likely to purchase from a brand that invests in menopause research.
Women Age 40-49 Compared to Women Age 50+
4x
Women under 50 are 4x more likely to use a mobile app, digital healthcare platform, or wearable technology to manage menopause symptoms
The State of Menopause in 2024
Our 2024 data shows women have experienced measurable increases in social discussion and self-advocacy. Now, we need substantial investments to be made in comprehensive research, healthcare training, and legislative initiatives to drive significant change and continue to advance the State of Menopause.
Read our surveys from previous years:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment status of the civilian population by sex and age. Economic News Release. Updated May 3, 2024. Accessed June 6, 2024.
2. Allen, Jennifer, et al. Needs assessment of menopause education in United States obstetrics and gynecology residency training programs. Menopause 30(10):p 1002-1005, October 2023.
3. Department of Health & Human Services. Fiscal Year 2025: Budget in Brief. March 2024.