A term that has been used in recent conversations regarding mid-life relationships is menodivorce. Menodivorce refers to situations where women reassess or end their long-term relationships during menopause or the pre-menopause period.

This term has been used in recent conversations regarding the divorce rates among women aged 40, 50, and early 60-something. Menopause does not directly lead to divorce; however, this period of life often forces women to reassess their relationships and their lives.

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A survey conducted by the platform NOON, which works with middle-aged women, found that one out of every three women aged between 45 and 65 years expressed that they would consider leaving their relationships. In addition, the survey found that 46 percent of divorces were initiated by women out of over 2,000 women from the United Kingdom.

Midlife changes often trigger reflection

Relationship counsellor Suvarna Varde, based in Gurugram, said many women reach a stage in midlife where they begin to think more about their own needs and identity.

“In my experience, midlife divorce often brings a sense of liberation for many women because it’s the first time they allow themselves to prioritise their needs,” Varde told India Today.

At this stage of life, several changes happen simultaneously. Children may move out, careers stabilise and couples who once focused on family responsibilities find themselves confronting the state of their relationship.

Counsellors say that for some women this becomes a moment of reassessment rather than an impulsive decision.

Hormones do not cause divorce

Doctors and counsellors caution against blaming menopause for marital breakdown. This phase often makes existing problems harder to ignore. With age and experience, women gather more clarity about relationships. Communication breakdowns, inequality and repetitive patterns in a marriage become more visible.

Hormonal changes during menopause can bring symptoms such as sleep disturbances, irritability and shifts in emotional responses. These changes may intensify feelings of dissatisfaction that were already present in a relationship. Mood changes during perimenopause often appear alongside symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes or sleep disturbances.

However, doctors noted that when emotional distress improves with support and communication, the underlying issue is usually relationship dynamics rather than menopause itself.

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Communication remains key

Counsellors say the transition does not automatically weaken relationships. In many cases, couples grow closer when they acknowledge the changes and adjust expectations.

Partners are advised to speak openly about symptoms, share responsibilities and seek professional help if conflicts become difficult to manage. Menopause may change a woman’s body and emotional responses, counsellors say, but the outcome of that phase depends largely on how couples respond to it.