Seven in 10 women blame the menopause for their divorce or marriage problems, with some saying it has increased arguments or domestic abuse, according to a new survey
More than 1,000 women took part in the survey for the Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health Research and Education.
Almost eight out of every 10 women experiencing marriage problems said the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause put a strain on their family life.
Only a third of all the women surveyed said they had been offered treatment or HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to relieve their symptoms.
Only a third of all the women surveyed said they had been offered treatment or HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to relieve their symptoms.
Of those who took HRT, 65% said it had a positive effect.
Only a third of all the women surveyed said they had been offered treatment or HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to relieve their symptoms.
Of those who took HRT, 65% said it had a positive effect.
But most of the women who were not offered support or treatment said that, if they had been, it might have saved their marriage.
Dr Louise Newson, a GP and menopause specialist who runs Newson Health, said: While the physical symptoms of the menopause are well-known and often discussed
The mental health impact is often ignored and can be catastrophic for many women, having a deeply negative effect on their work, relationships and finances as a result.
The mental health impact is often ignored and can be catastrophic for many women, having a deeply negative effect on their work, relationships and finances as a result.
"Our mission is to improve the health outcomes for perimenopausal and menopausal women through further education and research and this research does just that."
'A woman's memory changes at menopause'
'A woman's memory changes at menopause'
Memory complaints may be caused by rising and falling hormones levels, especially osteogeny, and by hot flushes, sleep disturbances and changes in mood, the study said.
"Women are often concerned that these memory issues are an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, but these conditions are very rare in midlife.
"Women should be reassured that most memory problems before and during menopause will typically get better over time."