The Impact of Menopause on Marital Stability:

Indelity, Divorce, and Preventive Strategies

Ian Y.H. Chua

1, 2, 3, 4

1 March 2025

Abstract

Menopause is a signicant life transition that aects marital stability in multiple ways,

including changes in intimacy, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics. This

paper analyzes indelity and divorce rates before and after menopause for both men and

women, examining factors that contribute to marital instability. Additionally, it explores

preventive measures that can be taken before and during menopause to support marital

resilience. The study includes comparative data on divorce initiation by men and women

and highlights key ndings from recent research on marital relationships before and after

menopause.

Introduction

Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, marking the end of reproductive

capacity in women. While this biological transition can impact various aspects of life, it

also signicantly inuences marital relationships. Emotional and physical changes,

along with shifting priorities, can lead to decreased intimacy and, in some cases, marital

breakdown. This paper compares indelity and divorce rates before and after menopause

and discusses strategies to sustain marital stability through this transition.

Indelity Rates Before and After Menopause

Indelity, dened as sexual or emotional involvement outside a committed relationship,

is a prevalent issue in marriages. Data indicates that:

• The lifetime prevalence of indelity in married individuals is approximately 21.7%

in men and 12.6% in women (Mark et al., 2011).

• In a study of marital dissolution causes, indelity was cited in 59.6% of

divorces in the U.S. (Sacks & Sacks, 2023).

• Women are more likely to engage in extramarital aairs in their 40s and early

50s, with hormonal uctuations inuencing sexual behaviors (Perel, 2017).

• Studies suggest postmenopausal women are less likely to engage in

indelity, as declining estrogen levels reduce sexual desire, while emotional

intimacy and companionship become more signicant relationship priorities

(Davis et al., 2016).

While premenopausal indelity is a documented concern, it does not account for the

signicant marital distress associated with menopause, which contributes to higher

divorce rates.

Marital Dysfunction and Loss of Intimacy During Menopause

Menopause-related physiological changes can signicantly impact marital intimacy

and stability. Common challenges include:

• Loss of sexual desire due to reduced estrogen and testosterone levels (Santoro

et al., 2016).

• Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia (painful intercourse), which can lead to

avoidance of intimacy (Nappi et al., 2020).

• Increased irritability, mood swings, and depressive symptoms, which can

strain communication and emotional bonds (Freeman et al., 2014).

Empirical Evidence on Menopause-Related Marital Dysfunction

• A survey by the Family Law Menopause Project found that 73% of women

attributed their marital breakdown to menopause-related issues (Balance,

2022).

• 67% of menopausal women reported increased arguments and domestic

conicts during this phase (Balance, 2022).

• Over 60% of divorces are initiated by women in their 40s, 50s, or 60s,

corresponding with the menopausal transition (Brown & Lin, 2022).

• In a study of “grey divorce” trends, divorces among individuals over 50 have

doubled since 1990, with menopause cited as a contributing factor (Pew

Research Center, 2023).

These ndings indicate that while indelity occurs before menopause, menopause itself

presents a more substantial risk to marital stability due to its long-term impact on

intimacy and communication.

Indelity and Divorce Rates Before and After Menopause

Although not explicitly stated in the study by Balance (2022), it may be presumed that 40% of the

divorces were initiated by men after menopause.

Preventive Strategies Before and During Menopause

1. Open Communication: Encouraging honest discussions about menopausal

symptoms can foster understanding and reduce conicts (HealthyWomen,

2010; Gottman, 2015).

2. Professional Support: Seeking therapy or counseling provides structured

approaches for coping with relationship challenges and improving intimacy

(Stowe Family Law, 2022; Brides, 2024).

3. Education and Awareness: Learning about menopause can help both partners

navigate this transition eectively. Premarital counseling can also prepare

couples for midlife changes (Miles & Partners, 2022; Stanley et al., 2006).

4. Medical Consultation: Hormone therapy and lifestyle modications, such as

exercise and stress management, can improve well-being and mitigate marital

strain (Santoro et al., 2016; PubMed, 2016).

5. Non-Sexual Intimacy Enhancement: Engaging in shared activities, emotional

bonding, and alternative forms of intimacy can strengthen relationships post-

menopause (Brotto & Basson, 2014).

Conclusion

Menopause presents challenges that can aect marital stability, increasing the

likelihood of divorce among midlife couples. While indelity is more prevalent before

menopause, marital dissatisfaction and divorce rates rise signicantly during this period,

particularly among women. Preventive strategies, including communication, education,

therapy, and medical interventions, can help mitigate the risk of relationship breakdown

and foster long-term marital resilience. Understanding the diering divorce initiation

trends between men and women before and after menopause can aid in developing

targeted support mechanisms for couples navigating midlife transitions.

Acknowledgments

This paper was developed with the assistance of ChatGPT 4.0, which provided insights and renements in the

articulation of philosophical and scientic concepts.

Founder/CEO, ACE-Learning Systems Pte Ltd.

M.Eng. Candidate, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.

M.S. (Anatomical Sciences Education) Candidate, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.

M.S. (Medical Physiology) Candidate, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.

References

• Balance. (2022). Menopause puts nal nail in marriage coin. Retrieved from

balance-menopause.com

• Brown, S. L., & Lin, I. F. (2022). Grey divorce: Trends and implications. Journals of

Gerontology: Series B, 77(3), 519–528.

• Davis, S. R., et al. (2016). Menopause and sexuality: The eects of hormonal

changes. Journal of Women's Health, 25(9), 1010–1015.

• Freeman, E. W., et al. (2014). Depression and menopause: An overview.

Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America, 41(3), 409–420.

• Mark, K. P., et al. (2011). Indelity in married couples: Prevalence and correlates.

Journal of Marriage and Family, 73(3), 636–653.

• Perel, E. (2017). The state of aairs: Rethinking indelity. HarperCollins.

• Pew Research. (2023). Grey Divorce Trends in the U.S. Retrieved from

pewresearch.org

• Sacks, A., & Sacks, J. (2023). Indelity and marital dissolution: A legal

perspective. Family Law Journal, 45(2), 121-135.

• Santoro, N., et al. (2016). Menopause and its impact on sexual health. Obstetrics

and Gynecology, 128(3), 524–531.