Calculating the Money Cost of Menopause – and How to Keep Control

Once upon a time there were whispers behind closed doors menopause Eventually it was brought out into the open – discussed on prime-time TV, debated in Parliament and shared on social media.

women People are now talking about symptoms, treatments, and the realities of midlife in ways that would have been unimaginable a generation ago.

But one part of the conversation is still not getting the attention it deserves: the financial outcome.

From shorter working hours to rising health costs perimenopause And menopause can have a serious impact on women’s earnings, savings and long-term security.

Here, we’ll look at how menopause can affect women’s finances, and what can be done to take back control.

breaking the silence

“A few years ago, the idea of ​​a prime-time TV documentary about menopause was unthinkable,” says Jenny Boyle, executive director and chartered financial planner at EQ Investors.

“This was something our mothers endured in silence. Now, thanks to Davina McCall, we’re more open about how perimenopause and menopause affect us. Gen X women don’t shut up about how they’re feeling.”

Still, Boyle says, most of the focus remains on the physical and emotional impact.

“Your social media feed is probably filled with information about the physical and emotional effects you may feel, but the financial impacts of menopause are overlooked. All that collagen and ashwagandha costs money.”

mid-life costs

Research by AJ Bales Money Matters Campaign found that one in 25 women reduce their working hours due to menopause, while one in 20 stops working altogether. A 2025 government study It is estimated that the cost of women leaving work for menopause-related reasons exceeds £1.5 billion per year.

“The gender pay gap and career disruptions could mean we approach our late 40s with less savings, investments and exposure.” pension As our male counterparts,” says Boyle. “Then perimenopause hits us as we reach our prime earning years.”

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that two-thirds of women aged 40 to 60 with menopause symptoms say their working life has been negatively affected, with almost eight in ten struggling to concentrate.

Private GP appointments, HRT prescriptions, supplements and sleep aids can also add up, costing hundreds of pounds per year.

workplaces are changing

There are signs of progress. The UK government has launched its first Menopause Advisory Group Helping businesses support women in midlife.

such as employers Timsy Whereas, reimburse HRT prescriptions monzo Provides one-to-one clinical support. Royal Mail has a national “Let’s Talk Menopause” campaign Staffed with “Meno-Mets” volunteers, and sony music Provides 1-to-1 access to menopause experts. HSBC, Tesco and NatWest have all signed up Menopause Workplace PledgeCommitted to better training and flexibility.

Below Equality Act 2010Menopause symptoms may qualify as a disability if they have a substantial and long-term impact on daily life, meaning employers must make reasonable adjustments – from temperature control and rest breaks to hybrid working.

third pot of money

While workplace improvements help, financial planning can make an even bigger difference. Boyle encourages customers to think ahead and build flexibility into their finances.

“To clients in their 30s and 40s who want to create a financial plan, I talk about the need to have three pots of money,” she says.

“Your short-term needs are met by cash savings and your long-term pot is your pension. But there is also a less specific medium-term pot.”

“A pre-retirement ISA fund”, she says, is particularly important for women. “It’s money that will give you more options as you go through the perimenopause years. If your money is working hard before you reach your late 40s, you’ll be able to cope with a drop in your income if you need to change the way you work or take some time off.”

take back control

A flexible pot gives women breathing room to reduce hours, retrain or focus on health without derailing long-term plans. Experts also warn against stopping pension contributions.

Research Scottish Widows shows that women retire on average £100,000 less than men, with the gap widening with lower earnings each year.

“Clearly there is much more to be done to better suit the needs of women in the working environment,” says Boyle. “But taking control of your own finances will give you more options during this stage of life.”

Menopause is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be a financial strain. With early planning, supportive workplaces, and a realistic look at your money, midlife can be a time to take control rather than lose it.

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