Table of Contents: 

Understanding Menopause and the Concept of a "Medical Taboo"

Key Figures: Menopause in 2025

Is menopause really a taboo subject? What the polls say

Menopause: A Blind Spot in Medical Education

A costly taboo: public health and the economy

What is changing in France and elsewhere

How to break this taboo in practice: women, healthcare providers, employers

Join the women's wellness revolution

FAQ on Menopause and the Medical Taboo

Conclusion: Menopause, the New Frontier of Health Equity

Defining Menopause: A Natural Stage, Not a Disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that menopause is a natural stage in the life cycle of women, defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation after 12 consecutive months without a period. 

In other words: it is neither a “disease” nor an accident, but a major biological process that has long been pathologized and sensationalized in medical literature, a fact that continues to fuel part of the stigma surrounding it today.

What is a “medical taboo”?

We speak of a medical taboo when:

• a health issue isshrouded in silence, shame, and embarrassment;
• Patients are reluctant to ask questions or talk about their symptoms;
• the caregivers themselves feel uncomfortable, inadequately trained, or avoid the subject;
• There is adisconnect between the prevalence of the problem and the attention it receives in research, education, and public policy.

This is exactly what the Ministry of Health describes: in May 2025, it officially acknowledged that “menopause is still too often viewed as a social taboo,” even among some healthcare professionals.

Key Figures: Menopause in 2025

How many women are affected today?

In France:

• More than 14 million women have already gone through menopause. 
• 17.2 million women over the age of 45 are already experiencing menopause or preparing for it.
• Each year, approximately 500,000 women gradually enter menopause.

Around the world:

• The WHO estimates that by2030, approximately 1.2 billion women will be 50 or older and therefore going through menopause.
• It’s clear that this issue doesn’t affect just a minority: when we talk about menopause, we’re talking aboutthe health of half of humanity for a third of their lives.

At what age does menopause begin, and how long does the transition last?

• Most women go through menopause betweenthe ages of 45 and 55.
• The average age in France is 51.
• Perimenopause can last several years—sometimes more than 10 years for some women.

The symptoms aren't limited to "a few hot flashes":

• In France,87% of women aged 50 to 65 experience at least one symptom of menopause, in addition to the cessation of menstruation.
• 20 to 25% of women suffer from severe symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.
• 25% of women still report symptoms 10 years after the onset of menopause.

Symptoms and quality of life: what do the data show?

According to the Department of Health, the main symptoms are:

• hot flashes (affecting about 70% of women);
• night sweats;
• genitourinary disorders, including vulvovaginal dryness (25% to 70%);
• joint pain;
• decreased libido, sleep disturbances, fatigue, memory problems, irritability…

Research by Inserm reminds us that:

• 20 to 25% of women have moderate to severe symptoms
• About 30% experience depressive symptoms during perimenopause (low energy, irritability, loss of interest).

In short: Menopause is a significant public health issue, with well-documented—yet long underestimated—physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Is menopause really a taboo subject?
What the polls say

In France: a taboo that remains very much alive, even within couples

The Department of Health has summarized several surveys and reached a concerning conclusion:

• 48% of women under the age of 50 find it difficult to talk about menopause.
• 39% of premenopausal women say they are concerned about this.
• In 2019, 34% of women aged 45–54 felt that there was not enough information available about menopause.
• 38% didn't know who to talk to about it.
• 46% of premenopausal women had never discussed menopause with their partner.

A study conducted by the Essity Group in 2023 confirms this taboo:

• 41% of French women consider menopause to be a taboo subject.
• 44% say they are not sufficiently informed about menopause and its effects.
• 72% avoid talking about it in public, and 60% don't discuss it with their colleagues.
• 67% have never seen an awareness campaign about the symptoms.

A global reality: shame, loneliness, and a lack of information

Internationally, a large-scale study conducted by Astellas (involving 13,800 people in 6 countries) shows that:

• 65% of women who have gone through menopause report negative psychological feelings (anxiety 41%, depression 33%, embarrassment 24%, shame 11%).
• 59% of respondents believe that menopause is a taboo subject that people find difficult to discuss.
• 66% believe that menopause and its symptoms are not taken seriously.

In Canada, the report *The Silence and the Stigma* by the Menopause Foundation of Canada reveals that:

• 54% of the women surveyed believe that menopause remains a taboo subject;
• 46% feel ill-prepared;
• 38% feel lonely during menopause;
• Less thana quarter say they are "very knowledgeable" about the signs and symptoms.

At work: an issue that holds back careers and well-being

On the professional front, the figures speak for themselves:

• The Essity study shows that87% of women are still working when they enter menopause, but 60% do not discuss it with their colleagues, even though fatigue and difficulty concentrating affect their work.
• The same study notes that 42% of women report that fatigue related to this time of the month has interfered with their work, and 14% report difficulty concentrating.
• An OpinionWay survey conducted for Astellas Pharma France indicates that87% of postmenopausal women report having experienced discomfort at work due to their symptoms, and about one in four hide their condition for fear of discrimination.

In France, news articles such as the one in *Le Monde* explicitly refer to a “corporate taboo, ” despite a few initiatives (special leave, manager training, etc.).

Menopause: A Blind Spot in Medical Education

Medicine and gynecology: few or no dedicated programs

To find out whether menopause is also a taboo subject in the medical community, we can look at… medical training.

A study published in 2023 in the journal *Menopause* surveyed 99 directors of obstetrics and gynecology residency programs in the United States. The findings, summarized by *Physicians Weekly*. 

• 92.9% of directors believe that residents should have access to a standardized program on menopause.
• However , only 31.3% of programs report having a dedicated curriculum on menopause.
• And only 29.3% offer dedicated consultation time for menopause for residents.

In other words: even in the fields that are supposed to be the most knowledgeable on the subject, training remains very incomplete.

This finding is consistent with other reports (from Canada and France) that highlight a “blind spot” in women’s health following childbirth, with little mandatory education on perimenopause, hormone therapy, and mental health issues related to hormonal fluctuations. 

Consequences for patients: wandering and inadequate care

In practical terms, this lack of training results in:

• symptoms thatare dismissed as normal (“it’s normal—it’s just part of getting older”);
• a diagnostic odyssey, particularly for depression, sleep disorders, joint pain, or urogenital disorders.
• underprescribing of effective treatments when they are indicated, particularly hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

In France, a team from Paris-Saclay University points outthat before the 2000s, more than 50% of postmenopausal women were treated with HRT, whereastoday less than 10% are, following a “major shift” triggered by U.S. studies that sparked disproportionate fears about the risks.

These studies had highlighted increased risks, particularly of breast cancer, but the treatment regimens used differed from those used in France. More recent French data qualify these risks when HRT is clearly indicated and tailored to each individual, a point also confirmed by the HAS in its latest statements.

In short: Yes, menopause is still a medical taboo because it is rarely taught, receives little attention in research, and is often misunderstood—even by healthcare professionals.

A costly taboo: public health and the economy

Cardiovascular, bone, and mental health risks: the window of vulnerability

The drop in estrogen levels during menopause doesn't just affect menstruation. It also affects:

• bone health (risk of osteoporosis, fractures) 
• cardiovascular health 
• neurological health 
• mental health (depression, anxiety).

Some facts:

• The WHO notes that perimenopause canaffect physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being for several years.
• In France, the ministry notes that menopause increases certain cardiovascular risks and bone fragility, hence the need for specialized preventive care.
• According to data cited by Paris-Saclay University and Inserm,20–25% of women experience moderate to severe symptoms, and 30% exhibit depressive symptoms during perimenopause.

Cost to the company and society

The taboo also has an economic cost:

• In Canada, it is estimated that1 in 10 women leaves the workforce due to menopause.
• In France, government reports on menopause recommend quantifying the economic cost (sick leave, lost productivity, early retirement) and sharing this information with employers to prompt action.
• Surveys by Astellas and Essity show that the majority of women report anegative impact on their work (fatigue, lack of concentration, absenteeism, and self-limiting behavior regarding promotions).

For companies, ignoring menopause means:

• losingskilled workers (often women at an advanced stage in their careers)
• increase healthcare costs and absenteeism;
• underminediversity and workplace equality policies.

What is changing in France and elsewhere

The Rist Report: 25 proposals to “finally chart a course for action”

In April 2025, Congresswoman Stéphanie Rist submitted a report to the government titled “Menopause in France: 25 Proposals to Finally Take Action.”

The government has announced several priorities, including:

• A specialized consultation on menopause for every woman, starting at the first signs, with a trained healthcare provider (general practitioner, gynecologist, or midwife).
• Increased public awareness starting at a young age, through the Department of Education, government websites (Ameli, Santé.gouv, etc.), and a public awareness campaign.
• Increased support forresearch on menopause.
• Greater consideration of menopause in theworkplace.

The (gradual) end of the taboo surrounding hormone therapy

At the same time, there has been a gradual resurgence in the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT):

• Popular science articles and researchers (Paris-Saclay, Inserm) point out that the risks highlighted in the early 2000s were linked to specific treatment regimens (type of estrogen, oral administration, synthetic progestins) that are not the ones most commonly used in France.
• The HAS recently reaffirmed the role of hormonal therapy in treatment strategies, provided that it is based on anindividualized assessment and an appropriate prescription

This doesn’t mean “THM for everyone,” but rather that the medical taboo surrounding these treatments is beginning to crumble, giving way to a more scientific and nuanced approach.

Engagement of organizations, researchers, and groups

In France, many players are changing the game:

• Family Planning (for example, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) has produced a menopause barometer, drawing on the experiences of women and healthcare providers, and describing this life stage as a journey “more secret than a secret society,” steeped in taboos.
• Universities such as Paris-Saclay publish research reports titled “Menopause: A Taboo to Be Demystified for Women’s Health.”
• National foundations (in Canada, the United Kingdom, etc.) produce reports and awareness campaigns focused on menopause.

How to break this taboo in practice: women, healthcare providers, employers

For the women affected

Get information from reliable sources ( government websites, associations, and specialized organizations such as family planning clinics and dedicated foundations).

Talk openly about your symptoms ( with your primary care doctor, gynecologist, or midwife; with your partner; with friends or support groups: isolation only makes the suffering worse) .

Prepare for your appointment (note down your symptoms, their frequency, and their impact; come prepared with questions about your options: lifestyle changes, psychological support, hormone therapy, or non-hormonal alternatives). 

Seek a second opinion if necessary ( if your symptoms are downplayed or if you feel uncomfortable discussing the issue, you have the right to see another professional).

For caregivers

• Stay up to date onrecent guidelines (HAS, professional societies, online courses).
• Proactively address menopause in the care of women aged 40–45 and older.
• Take menopausal symptoms seriously and recognize their impact on work, family life, sexuality, and mental health.
• Provide honest information about thebenefits and risks of treatments, rather than letting the internet fill the void with information that can sometimes cause anxiety.

For employers

• Incorporating menopause intooccupational health policies: workplace adjustments (temperature, access to restrooms, opportunities for breaks); temporary schedule adjustments; the option to work remotely in certain situations.
• Trainmanagers on these issues (without pathologizing women, but by understanding the challenges involved).
• Foster a corporate culture where talking about menopause is no more embarrassing than talking about pregnancy or an invisible disability.

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FAQ on Menopause and the Medical Taboo

1. Do all women experience menopause the same way?

No. Studies show a wide range of symptoms: some women have very few symptoms, while others experience severe symptoms for several years. In France, about 20 to 25% of women have moderate to severe symptoms that clearly affect their quality of life.

2. Why is there so little discussion of menopause in school, even though we talk about periods and pregnancy?

Historically, women’s health has focused on reproduction (puberty, contraception, pregnancy). The post-reproductive period has been viewed as “less important” from both a medical and social perspective. New public policies aim precisely to address this blind spot by incorporating menopause into health education programs.3. Are hormone replacement therapies (HRT) dangerous?

Like any treatment, they have both benefits and risks:

• They can effectively relieve hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and certain urogenital symptoms, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• The risks (particularly for breast cancer or certain cardiovascular diseases) depend on the type of hormones, the dose, the duration of use, the age at which treatment begins, and individual risk factors.

Current recommendations:

Treat with the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible duration in women whose quality of life is significantly impaired, following a personalized discussion with their doctor.

4. Can menopause really affect a woman’s career?

Yes. Surveys by Essity, Astellas, and OpinionWay show:

• an impact on fatigue, concentration, and sleep;
• a reluctance to talk about symptoms, for fear of appearing "weak" or "less capable";
• the risk of absenteeism, reduced engagement, or even early departure.

However, simple adjustments —such as flexibility, ventilation, breaks, and fostering a culture of trust—can significantly reduce this human and economic cost.

5. Is menopause just a "women's" issue?

No, it's a societal issue:

• for public health (cardiovascular, bone, and mental health risks);
• for the economy (careers, productivity, job retention);
• for gender equality (preventing discrimination based on age and gender).

Partners, colleagues, policymakers, and employers all have a role to play in breaking the taboo surrounding menopause.

6. How can I tell if my symptoms are caused by menopause or something else?

Some symptoms are typical (hot flashes, irregular periods, night sweats, vaginal dryness, etc.), but others may be linked to other conditions (thyroid disorders, depression, heart disease, etc.).

That is why it is important to:

• consult ahealthcare professional;
• conduct a comprehensive evaluation if symptoms are severe or unusual;
• Don’t automatically blame everything on menopause… but don’t rule it out right away either.

Conclusion: Menopause, the New Frontier of Health Equity

So, is menopause still one of the last medical taboos?

Looking at the figures:

• Social taboo: Nearly half of women in France still consider the topic taboo, and more than half in Canada; international surveys confirm that most people view menopause as a subject that is difficult to discuss.
• A taboo in relationships: nearly one in two women never discusses it with her partner.
• A medical taboo: Most gynecology training programs lack a structured curriculum on menopause; treatments remain underutilized relative to their potential effectiveness when appropriately indicated.
• A taboo at work: a large majority of women report feeling uncomfortable, ashamed, or facing professional repercussions, often without support from their employer. 

So the honest answer is: yes, menopause remains one of the major medical and social taboos of our time.
But this taboo is beginning to crack:

• throughofficial recognition of the issue (the Rist report, the Ministry’s dossier, international reports);
• through research (Inserm, universities, foundations) that provides a better understanding of the actual impact of menopause;
• by womenspeaking out for themselves, refusing to “suffer in silence.”

Breaking this taboo does not mean turning menopause into a problem to be solved at all costs.
It means recognizing that it is:

• of anormal stage,
• which can be difficult for a significant number of women,
• and which deservesinformation, attention, prevention, and appropriate care,just like any other major public health issue.

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Sources 

You can view this data directly by clicking the links below:

1. Ministry of Health –Menopause: Learn About It and Talk About It
2. Essity Study: Nearly one in two women in France lacks sufficient information about menopause
3. Health and Independence
   
4. Paris-Saclay University
5. World Health Organization
6. Astellas Global
7. menopausefoundationcanada.ca
8. Legislative Publications
9. Le Monde.fr
10. VIDAL+1
11. Family Planning
12. Rist Report – Menopause in France: 25 Proposals… (pdf)
13. French National Authority for Health