Menopause is not limited to hot flashes. Sleep disturbances, persistent fatigue, decreased libido, weight gain or difficulties with concentration: a broad French study reveals the magnitude of symptoms affecting women’s daily lives. According to the initial results of the CLIMATERE study, conducted at Hôpital Foch, 49 % of the women surveyed report a deterioration in their quality of life during this hormonal transition period.
Presented in mid-October 2026, during the Menopause Assizes held at PariSanté Campus, these results highlight often underestimated disorders, some of which appear several years before the definitive end of menstruation.
The Essentials
- 49 % of the women surveyed report a deterioration in their quality of life.
- One in four women shows a significant symptom burden.
- 50 % report a decrease in libido, 49 % a high fatigue and 40 % substantial weight gain.
- Sleep disturbances are among the most concerning manifestations.
- Physical activity and certain lifestyle factors are associated with differences in symptom intensity.
Sleep, the principal disruption of daily life
Coordinated by Dr. Alexandre Vallet, head of the Epidemiology and Public Health Department at Hôpital Foch, the CLIMATERE study examines the consequences of perimenopause and menopause on women’s health and well-being.
Launched in March 2025 and involving thousands of participants, it reveals that more than one in four women report sleep disturbances.
These difficulties are particularly pronounced during perimenopause, the transitional period preceding menopause, characterized notably by hormonal fluctuations and irregular menstrual cycles.
According to the presented results, the risk of sleep disorders would be about twice as high during this phase as in women who have not yet reached menopause.
Even more surprising, even after accounting for hot flashes and night sweats, the likelihood of frequent sleep disturbances would remain 52 % higher.
These observations suggest that sleep disturbances are not explained solely by the vasomotor manifestations usually associated with menopause.
Fatigue, sexuality and memory: broadly prevalent symptoms
The study also highlights several manifestations that affect physical health, concentration abilities and intimate life simultaneously.
The symptoms reported by participants are distributed as follows:
| Reported symptoms | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Decrease in libido | 50 % |
| Significant fatigue | 49 % |
| Significant weight gain | 40 % |
| Vaginal dryness | 28 % |
| Hot flashes | 27 % |
| Brain fog | 27 % |
These results show that hot flashes, often considered the main sign of menopause, are not necessarily the most frequent or burdensome manifestations.
The “brain fog,” which can translate into difficulties concentrating or forgetfulness, is also a source of concern for some women.
The combination of several symptoms can weigh on daily activities, work life, personal relationships, and overall well-being.
Weight gain: the waistline more affected
Another finding of the study: the body changes associated with menopause do not necessarily translate into a systematic increase in body mass index (BMI).
The data rather suggest a change in fat distribution, with a tendency for accumulation in the abdominal area.
This phenomenon is notably associated with the decrease in estrogen.
According to dietitian Marie-Laure André, this redistribution of fat may favor insulin resistance, a mechanism that could complicate weight regulation.
The participants also report more difficulty losing weight, with a statistically significant increase of 39% during perimenopause and 41% after menopause, according to the disclosed results.
These observations emphasize the importance of distinguishing overall weight gain from changes in silhouette and waist circumference.
Loneliness, obesity and physical activity: factors associated with the severity of disorders
The CLIMATERE study highlights important differences among women, notably depending on their personal situation and lifestyle.
The feeling of loneliness is associated with a 68% statistical increase in the frequency of severe symptoms, while obesity is associated with a 55% increase, according to the data presented.
Conversely, regular physical activity is associated with a symptom burden roughly 25% lower.
The researchers also note that the presence of at least three adverse factors is associated with a 93% increase in the statistical likelihood of experiencing severe symptoms.
These results describe statistical associations and do not, on their own, establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
“There is no single menopause, but different trajectories that require personalized management.”
Dr Alexandre Vallet, Hôpital Foch
Why early management matters
Experts emphasize the importance of spotting the first symptoms as early as perimenopause, without waiting for them to durably affect quality of life.
Persistent sleep disturbances, unusual fatigue, concentration difficulties, pain during sexual intercourse or bodily changes can justify a medical consultation.
An individualized evaluation helps to search for other possible causes of these symptoms and consider appropriate solutions.
Depending on the situation, management may rely on improving sleep habits, regular physical activity, nutritional measures, psychological support or medical treatments, hormonal or non-hormonal, when indicated.
The CLIMATERE study thus reminds us that menopause, although a natural physiological stage, can have significant repercussions on health and daily life.
Its main takeaway is that symptoms vary considerably from one woman to another, hence the importance of attentive listening and personalized support.
Note: the figures presented come from the first results of the CLIMATERE study released in October 2026. They reflect the data reported for the studied population and do not necessarily constitute representative estimates for the entire population of women.
