An American divorce lawyer stated, "If divorced women had received hormone therapy during menopause, 70% would not have divorced," which has sparked discussion.

Menopause is a biological process where a woman's reproductive ability naturally ends. It is often misunderstood as being caused by the depletion of remaining eggs, but this is not the case. Women are born with about 3 to 4 million eggs, so they will not run out of eggs by the time they die. However, the process of maturing these reserve eggs into ovulated eggs is the hormonal cycle of women, and menopause occurs when the endocrine system ages and this cycle stops.

Therefore, having children does not delay the onset of menopause, nor does it mean that all eggs have been depleted. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but there are individual differences. The average age is 51 years for American women.

Recently, hormonal changes during menopause have emerged as a major cause of family discord in the U.S., and there is increasing evidence that they significantly affect divorce rates among American women. Therefore, it is important to recognize menopausal symptoms and receive appropriate treatment and support.

To maintain a marriage, both partners need to understand and communicate about the hormonal changes during menopause.

Stages of Menopause

1. Perimenopause

   • The period of a few years before menopause.

   • Menstrual cycles become irregular, and symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings begin.

2. Menopause

   • If there are no menstrual periods for 12 months, it is officially considered menopause.

   • The average age is 51 years for American women.

3. Postmenopause

   • The period that lasts for the rest of a woman's life after menopause.

   • Due to decreased estrogen, the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis increases.

Main Symptoms

• Physical Changes:

  • Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations

  • Weight gain, abdominal obesity, decreased muscle mass

• Emotional Changes:

  • Depression, anxiety, irritability, decreased concentration, memory loss

• Genital Symptoms:

  • Decreased libido, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse

• Long-term Health Issues:

  • Increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and dementia

The Connection Between Menopause and Divorce

According to a survey conducted by the Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health Research and Education in the UK, 73% of responding women reported that menopausal symptoms affected their marriage. Additionally, 67% reported that menopause increased conflicts or arguments at home.

Menopause can bring various symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, decreased libido, and sleep disturbances, which can negatively impact marital relationships.

Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Research indicates that 65% of women who received hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms reported improvement in their symptoms.

Furthermore, 70% of women who did not receive HRT stated that they could have maintained their marriage if they had received treatment. 

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect not only a woman's emotional and physical health but also her marriage. Therefore, it is important to recognize menopausal symptoms and receive appropriate treatment and support. Both partners need to understand and communicate about these changes together.

Management Strategies

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

   • Supplementing deficient estrogen to alleviate symptoms.

   • However, consultation with a doctor is necessary regarding the risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.

2. Lifestyle Improvements

   • Regular exercise (especially strength training and yoga recommended)

   • Calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health

   • Quit smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, balanced diet

3. Alternative & Complementary Therapies

   • Herbal treatments, phytoestrogens (e.g., isoflavones)

   • Meditation, psychological counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Menopause is an unavoidable natural process in life. The important thing is how well you prepare for and manage this period. Neglecting it can lead to health issues, but with proper preparation, it can also be embraced as a new beginning in life.

You can find more details about the relationship between menopause and divorce in the video below.