Menopause has many unwanted symptoms, but new research reveals it can be a transformative time when women feel more comfortable, confident, and ready to embrace their dating journey.

A new study of 1,000 women who have been through or are currently experiencing the hormonal “change” found that a quarter (25%) feel more comfortable in themselves since going through the menopause.

And despite 24% dreading it, nearly one in five (18%) now feel able to focus on what they really want for the first time. In fact, 23% feel more carefree and 18% report having more confidence, according to the research for the over-50s dating app, Ourtime.

It also emerged that of the 28% who are single, 16% are more likely to unapologetically ask for what they want from a relationship – because they know themselves better now compared to before.

23% of single women were initially concerned about the impact menopause would have on their dating life, however, the good news is that one in four (26%) admitted they needn’t have worried, with the average menopausal singleton going on three dates since starting. What’s more, an encouraging 35% enjoyed most of them.

Moreover, nearly half of women (46%) reassuringly reported no change in their romantic relationships since starting to experience menopausal symptoms.

With this new wave of confidence, when it comes to the start of a relationship, nearly half (46%) would feel unafraid opening up to the person they were seeing about their personal experience with the menopause.

While 54% of women believe more honest and open conversations would help both men and women manage it better.

In fact, the data revealed that 56% were not prepared for what was ahead, with 37% putting this down to a general lack of education around the menopause, and (24%) feeling the subject is still taboo. While over one in five (22%) felt they had no one they could talk to about the experience.

It’s time to turn menopause into ‘Meno-Power’. To support women going through the menopause, Ourtime, the dating app for over 50s, has partnered with dating expert Kate Taylor to create a guide with tips and advice to help women build and maintain confidence in their search for love during this transformative time.

Kate Taylor, dating and relationships expert for Ourtime, who commissioned the research, says: “The menopause is a time of huge change for women. While hormonal issues can cause a range of symptoms, it can also be an empowering period, bringing increased self-awareness and confidence. This life stage encourages women to reevaluate what truly matters to them and who they want to spend their lives with, allowing them to embrace their needs and desires more fully.

“Our research found that women feel there is a real lack of support and education around the menopause – which is something Ourtime and I are looking to change. We hope to empower women during this time with our Meno-Power Guide, which we have created to give women the information and help they need to make the best of this time, and to feel optimistic about the future.”

Ourtime is also collaborating with Pause Live, a trailblazing health and wellness event taking place at The Grand Connaught Rooms, London, on 14th September from 9am–6pm.

The event is designed to support women on their unique journey through menopause, with one united goal – to take back control.

Gain invaluable insight and knowledge from credible experts and hear inspiring real-life stories from peers, with Pause Live’s stellar line up.

To purchase tickets for the Pause Live event on 14th September 2024, click here.

Here are Kate Taylor’s six hero tips for dating during the menopause: 

• Find date-friendly exercise. Exercise is the best thing you can do when you’re menopausal – and on dates. Take up sociable activities like dancing, tennis or hiking and invite sporty partners to join.
• Start a new hobby. Pick up a new hobby as you start dating. It keeps dating from being your only excitement, boosts confidence, expands your friend circle, and gives you more to talk about on dates.
• Embrace singles events. A fun way to meet new people of a similar age is to attend singles events. Ourtime hosts meet-ups where you can meet other eligible 50+ singles in person with fun activities, like wine tasting, cookery classes, or simple drinks.
• Resist reassurance. If feeling clingy, avoid the urge to ask new partners for too much reassurance. Explain your insecurities and suggest ways they can help, like staying in touch or addressing issues quickly.
• Reveal information on a “need to know” timeline – get to know a new love interest gradually. If you share too much too early, you could feel vulnerable if the relationship ends. On the first few dates, focus on general, light-hearted subjects like books, music, hobbies and interests. As your relationship progresses, you can be more open.
• Give partners room to help. If you’ve been single for a while, asking for help can be hard, but a new romantic partner likely wants to assist. Share a problem, like feeling hot at night, and give them space to offer a solution.