New survey finds lack of knowledge around menopause and its symptoms

75% knew menopause was the end of the menstrual cycle, a third thought they could still get pregnant

The global menopause market is expected to hit $24.4 billion by 2030, up from $15.4 billion in 2021, according to Grand View Research. About 1.3 million women in the United States almost experience menopause every year with symptoms that include a change in their period, hot flashes, a loss of bladder control, trouble with sleep, mood changes, and body changes.

Yet, there's still a lack of knowledge about what menopause actually entails, especially what symptoms to look out for, according to results from a two phase survey conducted by The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, in partnership with sexual wellbeing company the Lovehoney Group and its Womanizer sex toy brand.

While Phase 1 surveyed 1,500 American adults aged 18 to 88, to assess overall public knowledge and understanding of menopause, Phase 2 surveyed 1,500 women aged 40 to 65 to better understand women’s experiences with menopause.  

In the first phase of the survey, it was found that over 75% of respondents could correctly identify menopause as the permanent end of the menstrual cycle, though nearly a third of all people thought menopausal women could still get pregnant. ​

When it came to knowing the complete range of menopausal symptoms, only 29% could name them all. That includes just 13% who knew that concentration or memory difficulties is a symptom, while 14% knew that one of the symptoms was bladder issues or incontinence. About 28% knew about sleep changes, while 55% could identify hot flashes as a symptom.  

In all, when asked a six-question menopause knowledge quiz, fewer than 25% of people answered more than three questions correctly, while nearly 50% of women ages 40-65 did the same. When broken down by race, white women had the highest rate of correct answers at 55%, followed by Asian women  at 42%, Hispanic women at 37%, and Black women at 35%.

In the second phase of the survey, it was found that over 36% of menopausal women reported experiencing improved symptoms through masturbation, though only 1 in 10 currently use this method as a primary symptom management tool. While only 44% of respondents reported ever discussing menopause with their healthcare provider, 46% indicated they would be open to trying masturbation for symptom relief if recommended by their healthcare provider. Yet, only 5% said their provider suggested masturbation as a possible symptom management strategy.   

The Lovehoney Group was formed in 2021, when Lovehoney, Amorana and WOW Tech combined. The Group, which employs more than 900 employees in 10 offices internationally, houses many brands that including Womanizer, We-Vibe, Fifty Shades of Grey, Arcwave, Lovehoney Mon Ami, and Happy Rabbit. 

The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, meanwhile, conducts research on human sexuality, relationships, and wellbeing, led by experts across disciplines including neuroscience, psychology, public health, anthropology, history, and gender studies. The Kinsey Institute also houses the world’s largest library of materials on human sexuality and offers a dynamic range of art exhibitions, public lectures, and educational programs.

Going forward, Kinsey Institute researchers Dr. Cynthia Graham and Dr. Justin Lehmiller plan to expand upon their scientific research on menopause during a two-day continuing education workshop called "This Girl is on Fire" with the Sexual Health Alliance. At the same time,Womanizer  will also host a series of free educational public pop-ups with Dr. Shamyra Howard in U.S. cities with higher concentrations of people of color throughout September and October.  

(Image source: womanizer.com)