Financial Wellbeing in Perimenopause & Menopause: Why It Matters and What You Can Do
If you’re between 40 and 50, you might already be experiencing changes in your body, mood, and energy levels due to either perimenopause or menopause. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the average age of menopause globally is 51, but symptoms can begin years earlier and affect every part of life, including your finances.
Thankfully, there’s now more conversation, support, and research around menopause. But what’s still missing is enough focus on the fact that this stage of life is also a critical financial pivot point - not just for women, but for their families and wider communities.. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or a full-time homemaker, planning ahead can protect your wellbeing, your family, and your future self.
Why Menopause Impacts Money
Menopause symptoms like disrupted sleep, brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue don’t just affect health - they impact income and expenses too.
Work disruption: Women may reduce hours, take career breaks, or step away from promotions. In fact, according to a Mayo Clinic study published in 2023, menopause-related symptoms are estimated to cost the US economy $26 billion a year in lost productivity and healthcare costs.
Healthcare spending: Appointments, tests, and treatments add up - especially when insurance doesn’t cover everything.
Long-term savings risk: Career pauses can mean lower pension contributions, leaving a gap in retirement funds.
Emotional spending: Stress and fatigue can trigger comfort spending, sometimes leading to debt.
Globally, experts estimate that closing the women’s health gap - including menopause - could add $1 trillion to the world economy every year by 2040, showing just how much women’s wellbeing matters.
If you live in the UAE, there are extra factors to consider:
Out-of-pocket costs: Even with mandatory health insurance, families still pay directly for certain treatments. Dubai’s average per-capita health spend reached AED 4,525 in 2022, and about 12% of total health costs are paid out of pocket. (Health Accounts System of Dubai (HASD) 2022)
Earlier onset: Local research suggests that the average age of menopause in Emirati women is around 48, slightly younger than global averages.
Access to care: Awareness of treatment options is growing, but costs and coverage vary widely. Building a health budget can make unexpected appointments or prescriptions less stressful.
Divorce, Relationships, and Financial Independence
Perimenopause and menopause doesn’t just affect health and work - it can also impact relationships.
Research and surveys suggest there is a noticeable rise in relationship stress, separations, and divorces during the perimenopause to menopause years (roughly ages 45–55). For example, a UK survey of 1,000 women found that 70% believed menopause contributed to marital breakdown or increased conflict in their marriage. Another study of divorce filings showed that over 60% of divorces among opposite-sex couples in 2021 were initiated by women, with the average age of women filing at 44.5 years - right in the perimenopause window.
Further studies highlight the financial implications: 73% of women in one survey said menopause was partly to blame for their relationship ending, and 67% said it significantly increased arguments or tension. Many family lawyers also report that menopause can disadvantage women in financial settlements, particularly if symptoms have reduced their ability to work.
While the exact causes are complex and not all divorces at this stage are menopause-related, the statistics are clear: divorce rates do rise during this period of life.
Money plays a central role - both as a source of conflict that can contribute to relationship breakdown and as a tool of empowerment, giving women the choice to rebuild their relationship or leave if that’s what’s right for them. Financial independence provides safety and options during what can be an emotionally and financially challenging time.
Preparing Your Finances - A Midlife MOT
Think of this as a financial check-up to help your prepare and keep you financially strong during this phase of your life.
1. Health Costs
Check your insurance policy for what’s included: specialist visits, tests, mental health support, medications.
Start a dedicated health savings pot, even if you only add a small amount monthly.
2. Income & Career
If symptoms are affecting your work, speak to your employer about adjustments like flexible hours or remote days.
Self-employed? Build a cash cushion (emergency fund) so you can cover expenses during quieter or more challenging periods where you might want to slow down. Give yourself the choice.
3. Retirement & Investing
Keep contributing to retirement savings, even if only a little.
Choose simple, diversified investments and automate contributions so they don’t depend on willpower or energy levels.
4. Debt
If you have debt that is causing you stress, make a list of balances, interest rates, and payments so you have full clarity on your debt situation.
Then make a sustainable plan that works best for you. Avoid new high-cost borrowing, especially “quick fixes” like buy-now-pay-later schemes.
5. Insurance
Review your health, life, and critical illness coverage, especially if others depend on your income or care.
If you don’t earn an income, plan how health emergencies would be funded and document the plan.
6. Mental Health
Budget for therapy, coaching, or support groups.
Emotional resilience is as important as financial planning at this stage.
When Money is Shared Between Couples
This period can create financial stress in relationships. Good communication is key:
Have open conversations:
“I’m experiencing changes that affect my health and work. Let’s plan our finances with this in mind.”
Agree on rules:
Set spending plans for health or household expenses before needing to consult each other.
Split admin duties:
For example, one partner manages insurance renewals, the other handles claims.
Stay fair:
If one partner works less or leaves work, continue retirement contributions for both, and keep some personal “no-questions-asked” funds.
What Men Need to Know
Men often want to help but don’t know where to start. Here’s how to support a partner going through perimenopause:
Understand it’s real: Symptoms are physical and emotional, not “just mood swings.”
Help with logistics: Attend key appointments, manage insurance claims, or handle family admin before she gets overloaded! Bonus points for helping with life admin without being asked!
Champion her career: Encourage fair workplace adjustments and share or increase your share of caregiving duties to protect her earning power.
Keep retirement fair: If she steps back from paid work, ensure contributions continue from shared funds.
Use supportive language: Phrases like, “How can I make next week easier for you?” open doors to honest conversations.
Common Money Challenges at This Stage
Challenge Solution
Stop-start income (self-employed or commission-based work) Create a 90-day cash forecast and automate invoices
Rising medical costs Have a health savings fund. Maximise health insurance
Emotional overspending Delay purchases for 24 hours and keep a small “treat
budget” to maintain a sense of freedom
Career uncertainty Plan ahead, update CV, seek skills training, and
explore flexible work options
Why This Matters
Menopause is inevitable. Financial stress doesn’t have to be. By preparing early, you give yourself the gift of choice - the choice to change careers, slow down, care for family, or invest in your health without panic.
Healthy women create healthier families, workplaces, and economies. Investing in your financial wellbeing now protects your future self, and sets a powerful example for the next generation.
If this stage of life feels overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. Book a Menopause Money MOT with me to get a clear, personalised plan for your health, wealth, and peace of mind. Book your free discovery call here to find out more about how I can help.
You can also download this free Menopause Financial Wellness Checklist here.