A global survey has revealed widespread disruption to women’s mental health, relationships and working lives during menopause – alongside significant delays in accessing hormone treatment.

The anonymous online survey, shared via social media between August and October 2025, attracted responses from 3,567 women across 71 countries. The survey, analysed by Newson Research and presented at the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health annual meeting in California, explored how menopausal symptoms affect daily life and how easily women can access hormone treatments.

Women described feeling ‘trapped,’ ‘invisible,’ and ‘disconnected from life itself,’ with extreme fatigue, anxiety, mood swings and brain fog leaving many ‘too foggy to talk, too tired to cope’.

Misdiagnosis and gaps in care

Nearly all participants said they had been prompted by online or media discussions to research menopause themselves, highlighting growing public awareness – but also gaps in formal healthcare support.

Findings included:

• Before receiving hormone treatment, almost two-thirds of women said their symptoms were attributed to other causes such as anxiety, ageing, or lifestyle factors
• Almost half were prescribed medications that did not address hormonal changes, most commonly antidepressants or sleeping tablets.
• Some also received drugs such as benzodiazepines, beta blockers, or mood stabilisers.

Mental health impact

The impact on mental wellbeing was striking. More than 90%reported moderate to severe effects on their mental health. Common symptoms included difficulty concentrating, emotional disconnection, irritability, and low mood. Many women described feeling unlike themselves or struggling to cope with everyday responsibilities.

These symptoms spilled over into daily life. Nearly nine in ten women said their work performance had been noticeably affected, while 91%reported strain on their personal relationships. Two-thirds said they felt more disconnected from their families.

Treatment access

Access to appropriate treatment was often slow. While around one-third received hormone treatment within three months, another third waited over a year, with some reporting delays of more than three years.

More than 60% saw multiple healthcare professionals before receiving hormone treatment, and one in ten reported attending more than ten GP appointments before being prescribed hormone treatments.

Researchers say the findings highlight major gaps in menopause care worldwide. Despite growing awareness, many women still face misdiagnosis, fragmented care, and long waits for treatment. The survey also suggests menopause symptoms are frequently treated as isolated mental health issues rather than recognised as being hormone related.

The authors acknowledge the survey reflects a self-selected group of women engaged in online health communities and may not represent all populations. However, they say the results underline an urgent need for better education of healthcare professionals and more consistent access to evidence-based menopause care and hormone treatments.

They conclude that improving recognition of menopausal symptoms and providing timely hormone treatment in primary care could significantly improve quality of life for millions of women.

Download a poster summarising Newson Research’s findings below.