What Is 'Meno Divorce'? How Midlife Can Reshape Relationships

These days, we hear new terms like silent divorce, grey divorce, sleep divorce, airport divorce and more recently, "menodivorce." It is the idea that menopause or perimenopause is prompting more women to reevaluate their love and commitment.  

Menopause and perimenopause bring a range of hormonal changes and emotional distress. While these do not directly cause divorce, the lack of support from a spouse can make these issues harder to ignore. 

Survey shows 'Meno divorces' on the rise

A recent survey by NOON, a UK-based menopause-support platform, revealed that one in three women in the age bracket of 45–65 years is ready to walk away from their marriages, and report being happier than they have ever been. 

During midlife, women experience a mix of hormonal, emotional, and social transitions that naturally change the way they view their relationships.

Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can bring irritability, sleep disturbances, and lower tolerance for stress, while emotional shifts push them to re-evaluate their identity, needs, and priorities. 

These changes don’t create new problems in a marriage but make existing issues, such as lack of support, unequal responsibilities, or emotional disconnect, far more visible.

As a result, patterns that were earlier ignored or managed begin to feel heavier, leading many women to reassess the quality of their relationships and the direction they want their lives to take.

The survey highlights that women in menopause are focused on rebuilding identity and finding clarity. Rather than viewing divorce as abandonment, respondents frame it as a step toward emotional health and autonomy.

Is menopause a reason for divorce?

Menopause is not a direct cause of divorce. Instead, it often acts as a catalyst that highlights long-standing issues.

Emotional stress, evolving priorities, and the desire for autonomy may become more pronounced during this period, prompting women to make significant life decisions. 

Couples with strong emotional foundations often navigate this phase together, while others recognise that long-standing gaps in understanding or support have grown too wide.

Views expressed by the author are their own.