Why women keep menopause a secret

HALF of women who have been through the menopause kept it secret from their partners, a survey found.

The poll of nearly 2,000 women also found that a fifth did not tell anyone at first and 43 per cent felt ‘completely alone’.

Only two in ten confided in a female relative and 77 per cent did not even tell their mothers at first. A majority did not open up to friends and more than three-quarters did not consult a health professional.

Some said they felt the subject was still taboo to many people.

The research by incontinence products firm TENA found 39 per cent of younger women are ‘dreading’ the menopause. But on the positive side, almost half appreciated post-menopausal benefits such as an end to periods or premenstrual syndrome and no more sanitary products.

A further four in ten enjoyed having sex without worrying about contraception.

TENA has launched a campaign encouraging women to open up to loved ones about ‘the change’. It is backed by TV presenter Lisa Snowdon, who said: ‘It’s no wonder the word sparks fear in the hearts and minds of women across the globe. For too long women experiencing the menopause have suffered in silence, alone and fearful of what is to come.

‘Synonymous with “middle age”, in a society where ageism is rife, menopause is not celebrated – it’s seen as the beginning of a decline. By discussing the menopause with our daughters, nieces, mothers, grandmothers, friends and partners, we can end the cycle of loneliness.’

Dr Jane Davis, of the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum, added: ‘The campaign strikes at the heart of the issue of taboo around menopause – it’s about not being embarrassed to talk about it. The motherdaughter story is one heard over and over again: “My mum never told me what the menopause was like”.

‘It is getting better in terms of conversations, but there is more to be done.

‘It’s all about supporting each other, opening up those intergenerational conversations and not being afraid to ask for help.’

As part of the Daily Mail’s campaign to Fix the HRT Crisis, we are calling for women to be given information on the menopause at their NHS health checks.

Supply shortages and poor planning have left many women unable to get hormone replacement therapy, with some so desperate they use the black market.