What's Menodivorce? Does Menopause Make Women Walk Out Of Their Marriages

Walking out of a marriage is undoubtedly hard. After living with someone for a long period of time and leaving behind all the memories, history and feelings you once shared with this person, it is definitely

not easy.

While a divorce may sometimes be the best option, the term itself carries many negative connotations. In an era of rapidly changing trends, divorce too has acquired an entire glossary of buzzwords: ‘grey divorce’, ‘sleep divorce’, ‘silent divorce’, ‘airport divorce’ and more. Now, another term has joined the list – menodivorce.

What Is Menodivorce?

Just another term coined by the internet, ‘menodivorce’ hints at the idea that menopause or premenopause is prompting more women to reconsider their marriages, with many ultimately choosing to leave their partners.

A recent survey by NOON, a platform that empowers middle-aged women, revealed that one in every three women in the 45–65 age group is willing to walk away from their marriages. Based on responses from over 2,000 women across the United Kingdom, the survey also reported that 46 per cent of divorces are “instigated by women”.

What Changes For Women In Midlife?

After years of marriage, couples often fall into a mechanised routine of building a home and fulfilling assigned roles, and the essence of the relationship can slowly drift away.

In an interview with India Today, Suvarna Varde, a relationship counsellor, stated, “In my experience, midlife divorce often brings a sense of liberation for many women because it’s the first time they allow themselves to prioritise their needs. They finally get time and space to ask, ‘What do I want?’”

While experts have not ruled out a connection between menopause and a growing sense of liberation in women’s midlives, changing hormones often act as a catalyst. While many women anticipate the physical symptoms of menopause, they are often caught off guard by the accompanying emotional upheaval.

According to experts, lower tolerance for stress, sleep disturbances, irritability and decreased libido – the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause – can make unmet needs in a marriage more visible. As hormonal shifts heighten emotional sensitivity and make the nervous system more reactive, unresolved conflicts become more pronounced. As a result, women may seek deeper emotional closeness and greater intimacy.

Does Menopause Cause Divorce?

While there is no direct study linking menopause to divorce, experts suggest that hormonal fluctuations may amplify existing cracks in a relationship and reduce the “tolerating instinct”.

However, Dr Varde also noted that this phase can help couples grow stronger. “In a marriage with a strong foundation, the couple has already learnt to deal with changes, and they navigate this phase well with some external help. The situation escalates in relationships which were already having deep-rooted issues.” Menopause may change a woman’s body, but how a couple responds to those changes depends on their bond and emotional connection.