A scoping review published in BMC Women’s Health examines the relationship between domestic abuse (DA) and menopause, focusing on women aged 40 to 65. The review highlights how experiences of DA during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages can exacerbate menopausal symptoms, escalate abuse, and create missed opportunities for healthcare providers to identify abuse during menopause-related consultations.

The review analyzed 39 studies from various countries, with a significant number conducted in the United States. Key findings include a consistent link between DA and increased severity of menopausal symptoms, a tendency for DA to escalate or re-emerge during midlife, and a lack of disclosure opportunities in healthcare settings specifically related to menopause.

The research underscores the profound impact of DA on the mental, emotional, and physical health of survivors during menopause. It calls for trauma-informed, menopause-sensitive healthcare practices and emphasizes the need for further research in the UK to address these issues. The study aims to raise awareness and improve care for women experiencing DA during this critical life transition.