Meno-un-pause: Because midlife deserves the spotlight‎

Wellbeing tops the list, with nearly a third (31%) spending more to support their health, making women almost three times more likely to invest in wellbeing than fashion (12%).

Beauty remains steady, with most women reporting no change (66%), though 16% are spending more to adapt routines or boost confidence.

Fashion sees the least uplift, with only 12% increasing spend, possibly reflecting the fact that women don’t feel seen by the fashion industry.

Laura Clark, a registered dietician who specialises in Menopause nutrition, shared some valuable insight on the research:

“This doesn't surprise me, the menopausal transition brings about huge shifts in how women feel physically and emotionally and there is a greater awareness now of how lifestyle changes can support us during this time. Going through the menopause marks a new chapter and an opportunity to change perspectives on how to nourish our bodies and minds.”

Dr Laura Wyness, Registered Nutritionist, published author, podcast host and public speaker on nutrition and public health comments our findings:

“It's encouraging to see that wellbeing is a top priority for women around menopause.  Looking after your health as you approach and go through this stage can help ease the transition.  Paying attention to your diet around menopause is really useful to ensure what you're eating is providing the nutrients your body needs.  Eating well supports bone and heart health, helps manage weight, and can even ease some common menopausal symptoms.”

Skin health and hydration are now the top priority for almost half of women (47%), signalling a shift toward wellness over aesthetics. This is backed up with the move towards natural and graceful ageing, which is embraced by over a third (36%). Radiance hasn’t been forgotten, with 14% prioritising glow, adding a touch of vitality to wellness-led routines.

Despite this shift, a third (33%) still value anti-ageing products, showing midlife women want choice, not one narrative. Efficiency matters too, with 29% simplifying their routines, choosing ease and time-saving over complexity.

Beauty has also become more personal: 1 in 5 (20%) say they now choose products for themselves, not the male gaze. 

These results highlight a clear shift: midlife women are reshaping beauty on their own terms, blending confidence, practicality, and individuality.

Sleep is the biggest struggle, with 38% of women saying it has worsened. With that in mind, it’s not surprising fatigue (37%) and brain fog (33%) are also next in line, disrupting energy and focus. 

Dr Laura Wyness, a nutritionist who supports women navigate the challenges of peri-menopause and menopause, shares further insights on the findings:

“I'm not surprised that sleep is the biggest struggle, with fatigue and brain fog not far behind. Sometimes small adjustments to your diet, like increasing fibre-rich foods, spreading protein foods across the day, and hydrating early in the day, can make a notable improvement. Including a variety of fibre-rich plant foods such as vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts and seeds supports your gut microbes. Only 2% of UK adult women (aged 19-64) meet the recommended 30g of fibre a day.”

She shares her recommendations on how to tweak your diet during this phase of life:

“Eating a 'rainbow' of fruit and veg provides important nutrients and phytonutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. A healthy and diverse gut microbiome supports hormone balance, and can help ease menopausal symptoms. Since the majority of the body's serotonin ('the happiness hormone') is made by gut microbes, eating well for your gut microbiome can support your mood, and may help manage anxiety and improve sleep.”

Confidence also takes a hit: 1 in 4 women feel less confident in themselves (25%) or in their appearance (25%). This has a knock on effect on emotional wellbeing, with more women reporting anxiety (27%), low mood (27%), irritability (26%), and stress (23%).

Relationships aren’t immune as a fifth of women say their sex life has worsened, and 1 in 10 report that their romantic relationship has suffered.

But there’s another side to the story. While the challenges dominate, a smaller yet important group report positives, one in ten feel more confident in themselves, while 8% feel calmer and less anxious and 6% feel more confident in their appearance.

Laura Clark, a registered dietician who specialises in Menopause nutrition, shared some valuable  insight on the findings:

“It’s tempting to look for a short list of ‘mood-boosting foods,’ but the reality is that no single ingredient is a magic bullet. What really helps is an overall pattern of eating that supports brain chemistry, hormones, and blood sugar balance.   

• Aiming for a balance on the plate that provides the following is key:

• Protein, to support the production of mood boosting hormones like serotonin and dopamine, especially

• Slow-release carbs to keep blood sugars steady

• A colourful mix of fruit and veg adds the vitamins that help with stress resilience and guard against depression.”

This tells us one thing: midlife is complex. For many, it brings real challenges. But it can also spark resilience, clarity, and renewed self-belief.

The most common shift is supplements and vitamins (42%), with many looking for an extra boost. This pattern continues as we see diet and eating habits (32%) are the next most common adjustment.

 A final comment from Dr Laura Wyness:

“I totally understand why 42% look to supplements for an extra boost, and they can be helpful at times. In fact, supplementing with vitamin D is recommended for all adults. Still, I'd encourage women to start with small, healthy changes to what and how they eat. This will help build a strong, supportive foundation for their overall health and wellbeing.”

A quarter (24%) have started a new fitness or exercise routine, while 1 in 5 (21%) have updated their wardrobes to better suit their changing bodies.

Daily routines are being reshaped (20%), with women carving out more space for rest and self-care. Comfort at home also matters, with 19% making changes to their living spaces. Nearly the same share (18%) are refreshing their skincare or beauty routines.

This shows that supporting the body through menopause isn’t one-size-fits-all. From nutrition to movement, style to self-care, women are redefining what strength and comfort look like for them.