New Intimina survey on 4,000 women uncovers the profound impact menopause has on body image, confidence, and self-worth
In recent years, menopause has become one of the most popular topics in women’s health discussions. It has been a long wait, but it seems the world is finally ready to break the stigma surrounding this often challenging stage of life that almost every woman experiences. Both the public and media are increasingly covering menopause to provide support for women around the globe. For many, this life stage can bring discomfort with multiple symptoms; however, it is a normal transition that should be acknowledged as such. It is essential for women to go through this period with access to accurate information and help when needed.
To better understand how menopause affects women today, the intimate wellness brand INTIMINA surveyed over 4,000 women aged 40 to 60 in the UK, Spain, France, and Italy. The survey focused on women who have experienced or are currently experiencing menopause, revealing the extent to which menopause reshapes women’s relationship with their bodies, exposing a significant crisis of confidence and highlighting the need for greater representation and support.
Menopause seems to have a significant effect on women, with women who’ve been through it or are currently going though it saying they feel more negatively (51%), dissatisfied (50%), critical (41%), and less confident (46%) since going through it.
Considering the impact that going through the menopause has had on women, it is perhaps not surprising that 61% of these women are not currently satisfied with their body, with 21% saying they aren’t satisfied at all.
Physical Changes Drive Dissatisfaction
When asked what drives this decline, women pointed overwhelmingly to physical changes. The majority said that weight gain (56%) and hot flashes or other visible symptoms (50%) were the biggest factors affecting their confidence, followed by changes to skin (28%), vaginal or sexual health (22%) and muscle tone (22%). Many also noted hair thinning, breast changes, and facial ageing as particularly difficult to cope with.
Social Pressures and Lack of Representation
The survey found that these struggles are intensified by social pressure and lack of representation. Two in five women (41%) said they now compare themselves more to younger women than before, and nearly four in ten (39%) reported feeling pressured by society and the media to maintain a youthful appearance. Strikingly, more than half (54%) said they do not see enough menopausal women in the media that they can relate to — highlighting how invisibility worsens an already vulnerable stage of life.
Coping Strategies — And Their Limits
While many women are actively seeking ways to cope, from exercise and fitness (53%) to flattering clothing (43%) and skincare routines (30%), almost one in eight (12%) admitted that nothing helps them manage these changes. Others lean on self-talk, peer conversations, or cosmetic treatments, but the overall picture is one of women fighting to hold onto confidence with limited support.
Shifting Priorities Around Beauty and Health
Despite these struggles, menopause also appears to shift values in meaningful ways. More than four in ten women (41%) said they now focus more on health than on appearance, while another 42% said they balance both equally. Nearly half (47%) also reported that their definition of beauty has evolved, with 26% caring less about conventional standards and 23% saying they have actively redefined beauty for themselves.
A Cultural Blind Spot
The cultural picture remains sobering. 41% of women believe their culture views aging women negatively, while only 14% feel that older women are valued positively. This lack of cultural recognition, paired with body changes and social pressure, contributes to the decline in body acceptance: compared to their 30s and 40s, 39% of women now feel less accepting of their bodies, with only 28% saying they have grown more accepting.
What Still Makes Women Feel Beautiful
There are, however, sparks of positivity. Many women find beauty and confidence in new places, with 49% saying they feel most beautiful when taking care of their health and 41% crediting self-acceptance. A third said physical strength (33%) and inner peace (33%) play a central role, while others drew confidence from relationships, achievements, and personal style.
The Support Women Want
When asked what would help them feel better about aging, women pointed to clear solutions: 35% said they wanted better access to beauty and wellness resources tailored specifically to menopausal women, 33% wanted to see more authentic representation of older women in the media, and 32% emphasised the importance of mental health and self-esteem support. Just under a third also called for more open conversations around menopause. Yet almost one in five women (19%) said no resource would make a difference — a sign of how deep this confidence crisis can run.
Dunja Kokotovic, Global Brand Manager at Intimina, said: “These findings reveal a sobering truth: for too many women, menopause is accompanied by a loss of confidence and a deep sense of dissatisfaction with their bodies. While some women are redefining beauty in empowering ways, the majority still feel overlooked, pressured, or invisible. There is much more that needs to be done to ensure women feel happy, confident, and represented during this life stage. It’s time to break down taboos, shift how society views ageing women, and provide real resources that support both body and mind.”
The research was conducted by Censuswide, with Women who have experienced the menopause/ currently experiencing the menopause aged 40-60 in the UK, France, Spain & Italy. The data was collected between 21.07.2025-28.07.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
