Expert issues warning to couples as ‘menodivorce’ becomes increasingly common in relationships.
September 4, 2025•3 min read
It’s no secret that relationships evolve over time, but an interesting trend is gaining attention: more middle-aged women are leaving their marriages during perimenopause or menopause. Experts even have a name for it — “menodivorce.”
According to CNN, overall divorce rates in the U.S. have declined in recent years. But studies show that divorce among women in midlife is on the rise. So, what’s really behind this shift?
What Is Menodivorce?
Perimenopause, described by the Mayo Clinic, is the stage before menopause when the body transitions to the end of menstrual cycles. For many women, this shift isn’t just physical — it sparks a major emotional and personal awakening.
Take Melissa McClure, for example. She ended her 14-year marriage while going through perimenopause. Reflecting on her decision, Melissa shared with USA Today:
“We spend our adult lives taking care of our partners and children. We give so much of ourselves that we lose who we are in the process. Leaving wasn’t a crisis — it was an awakening.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Research backs up Melissa’s experience:
A UK survey from the Family Law Menopause Project found that 7 in 10 women blamed menopause or perimenopause for their marriage breakdown.
A study from Bowling Green State University revealed that in 2019, divorce rates among adults 50+ made up one in four divorces, compared to just one in ten back in 1990.
On average, women in the U.S. reach menopause around age51, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Why Does Menopause Trigger Divorce?
Dr. Sameena Rahman, an OB-GYN and menopause specialist, told Good Morning America that small irritations often become magnified during this stage of life:
“Sometimes it’s how they chew, or even the way they look at them. They might still love their partners, but suddenly can’t tolerate what they once ignored.”
More women approaching menopause are leaving their husbands (Getty Stock Image)
Menopause can bring hot flashes, sleep issues, and a loss of libido — all while women juggle family, aging parents, and careers. It’s no wonder that patience runs thin.
Mom-of-three Katy Viva, who divorced after 24 years, put it bluntly:
“I don’t know if menopause caused the divorce. But I’ll say it made me unwilling to put up with the nonsense anymore. Life is too long, and I don’t want to spend it with someone I don’t respect.”
What Experts Suggest
While divorce may feel like liberation for some, experts advise exploring therapy, communication tools, and treatment for menopausal symptoms before calling it quits. Support during this stage can make a big difference for couples who still want to grow together.
Final Thoughts
Menodivorce may sound like a buzzword, but for many women, it reflects a deeper truth: menopause is not just a biological shift — it’s a moment of clarity. Whether it leads to divorce or simply new boundaries, the midlife years are proving to be a time when women choose themselves.
