A study of 2,000 adults found less than half (48 per cent) have had a loved one open up to them about their experience with menopause.
In fact, almost half (47 per cent) believe approaching the subject with a woman might make them feel uncomfortable, while 38 per cent think it’s simply not their place to ask.
Delving deeper into the communication barriers surrounding menopause, a third (31 per cent) would be too embarrassed to broach the subject with a woman.
And almost two thirds (58 per cent) wouldn’t feel comfortable, even with a loved one or friend.
The research was commissioned by wellness brand OTO to mark the launch of its range of fans, created in partnership with fashion designer Bella Freud, to empower women to embrace the symptoms of menopause and help them to make a visible statement about the challenges.
Gemma Colao, founder and creative director of the wellness brand, says: “Our research shows that there’s clearly more to be done in breaking down the communication barriers surrounding the menopause.
“Our brand was born out of an ambition to help people find balance – and what better way to achieve this than through more open communication and awareness of one of the most challenging experiences in a woman’s life.”
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