Over half of women going through perimenopause or menopause describe it is a negative experience, a new survey carried out on behalf of the Department of Health has shown.

The survey of almost 1,300 women revealed that the average woman in menopause experiences up to seven symptoms at any given time, with one in three experiencing symptoms constantly.

Among those in menopause, the most intense symptoms reported are temperature changes (76%), changes in periods (73%), tiredness (72%), sleep issues (68%), changes in body shape (58%), cognitive issues (56%), mood changes (54%) and joint pain (53%).

Overall, 55% describe perimenopause and menopause as a negative experience, with just 22% considering it a positive experience.

Some 93% of people agree that menopause can have a big impact on a woman’s everyday life. However, just 23% of women in menopause say they would be happy to talk to their manager at work about it.

The survey of 1,290 women was carried out by B&A on behalf of the Department of Health in November 2022.