Menopause reshapes midlife marriages

A look at how menopause and perimenopause influence relationship choices and the rise of divorces among women over 50.

Menopause reshapes midlife marriages

Divorces among people aged 50 and older are rising even as overall divorce rates fall. A Bowling Green State University study shows the share of 50+ divorces grew from about 10% in 1990 to almost 25% in 2019, a period that also saw more women experience perimenopause and menopause. The trend is linked to clearer thinking about life choices and a willingness to end marriages that no longer feel right. The article highlights women like Melissa McClure who describe an awakening during perimenopause that leads to divorce, challenging the idea that menopause is simply a life stage with symptoms to endure.

Medical professionals say menopause does not cause divorce by itself, but it changes how women experience stress and relation­ships. Dr. Sameena Rahman notes that many women still love their partners yet feel irritable or fatigued in ways that strain a marriage. Therapists describe how women often shoulder a heavy mental load and how shifting hormones can push couples to reassess their partnerships. Advocates point out that men often misattribute these changes to mood alone, obscuring the need for healthier communication and shared responsibility. Some women pursue hormone therapy and other treatments, which several experts say can ease symptoms and improve relationship dynamics. The article also notes that misdiagnosis of menopause as depression is common, underscoring the importance of proper diagnosis and open dialogue with doctors and partners.

This trend reflects a broader shift in how midlife relationships are evaluated. Menopause is becoming a catalyst for women to reclaim autonomy and set boundaries that were harder to assert when child care and work demands were higher. The conversations around hormone therapy and partner involvement signal a push for better medical and emotional support at home. Yet the coverage of menopause treatment and the changing narratives around divorce remain uneven, which could widen disparities if access to care and education isn’t expanded. The piece hints at a cultural transition: once seen as a private issue, menopause is increasingly framed as a public health and relationship topic that requires both partners to adapt.

Highlights

As awareness grows, health care and home life must adapt to support women choosing a new path at midlife.