Research shows women often mistake menopause symptoms for stress

A new study conducted by iVOX for Uma Health reveals that many women struggle to recognize (peri)menopause symptoms, frequently misattributing them to stress. The research, which included 3,500 participants (1,500 from the Netherlands), found that one-third of women in this life stage initially linked their symptoms to stress, while 19 percent suspected burnout or depression.

Commonly misidentified symptoms include heart palpitations, anxiety, joint pain, and concentration or memory issues. While hot flashes are widely recognized, less than half of the participants identified cognitive difficulties as potential signs of menopause. Experts suggest that a lack of knowledge contributes to this confusion, and advise women to discuss these patterns with their general practitioners to establish links between their symptoms and their life cycle.