A new intima study of 4,000 women reveals the profound effect of menopause on body image, confidence and self-worth
In recent years, menopause has become one of the most popular topics in the women’s health debate. It has been a long wait, but the world appears to be finally ready to break the stigma surrounding this often challenging stage of life that almost every woman experiences. Both the public and the media are increasingly covering menopause to support women around the world. For many people, this life stage can cause discomfort in multiple symptoms. However, this is a normal transition that should be accepted as such. It is essential that women go through this period, with accurate information and support, if necessary.
Intimate wellness brands to better understand how menopause affects women today Infinina We surveyed more than 4,000 women aged 40-60 in the UK, Spain, France and Italy. The study focuses on women who have or are currently experiencing menopause, revealing the extent to which menopause reshapes women’s relationships with their bodies, exposes a critical crisis of confidence, and highlights the need for greater expression and support.
Menopause appears to have a major impact on women, with women either experiencing it or currently doing it felt more negative (51%), dissatisfied (50%), critical (41%), and less confident after experiencing it (46%).
It’s probably not surprising given the impact of going through menopause on women 61% of these women say they are not satisfied with their bodies now, so 21% say they are not satisfied at all.
Physical changes cause dissatisfaction
When asked what promotes this decline, women overwhelmingly pointed to physical change. The majority said weight gain (56%) and hot flashes or other visible symptoms (50%) were the biggest factors affecting self-confidence, followed by changes in skin (28%), vaginal or sexual health (22%) and muscle tone (22%). Many also point out that thin hair, breast changes and facial aging are particularly difficult to deal with.
Social pressure and lack of expression
Research found that these struggles were reinforced by social pressure and lack of expression. Two in five (41%) compared themselves to younger women than before, and nearly four in ten (39%) reported that society and the media are under pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. Surprisingly, over half (54%) said they did not see enough menopause women in media-related media.
Coping Strategies – and their Limitations
Many women are actively looking for ways to deal with it, from exercise and fitness (53%) to flattering clothing (43%) and skincare routines (30%), but one in eight (12%) admitted that there is nothing to help manage these changes. Others rely on self-talk, peer conversation, or cosmetic treatment, but the big picture is one of the women fighting to maintain confidence with limited support.
Changing beauty and health priorities
Despite these struggles, menopause appears to shift values in meaningful ways. More than four out of ten women (41%) said they focused on health rather than appearance, while another 42% both were equally balanced. Almost half (47%) say their definition of beauty has evolved, with 26% reporting that they don’t care much about traditional standards, and 23% say that they are actively redefine beauty for themselves.
Cultural Death Opposition
The cultural painting remains calm. 41% of women think that their culture is negatively aging, while only 14% feel that older women are being positively valued. This lack of cultural awareness combined with physical change and social pressures contributes to a decline in body acceptance. Compared to people in their 30s and 40s, 39% of women feel unacceptable to their bodies.
What still makes women look beautiful
But there is a positive spark. Many women feel beauty and confidence in their new place. 49% value their health, and 41% feel most beautiful when they credit self-acceptance. A third of them played a central role in physical fitness (33%) and inner peace (33%), while others derive confidence from relationships, achievements and personal style.
Support women want
When asked what helps to feel better about aging, the woman pointed out a clear solution. 35% said they wanted to have better access to particularly adjusted beauty and health resources for women in menopause. Just a third of them sought more open conversations around menopause. However, one in five women (19%) say that resources don’t make a difference. It’s a sign of how deep this confidence crisis is.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the world,” said Dunja Kokotovic, Global Brand Manager at Intimina. “These findings reveal a calm truth. For many women, menopause involves a loss of confidence and a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the body. Time to break down taboos, change how society sees aging women, and provide real resources to support both the body and mind.”
This study was conducted by the entire census with women experiencing menopause/currently experiencing menopause ages 40-60 in the UK, France, Spain and Italy. Data were collected between 21.07.2025 and 28.07.2025. Censuswide adheres to and employs members of the Market Research Association and follows the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the UK Voting Council.
