What is Menodivorce? Why many couples in their 40s and 60s are calling it quits |
After relationship terms like “grey divorce” and “silent divorce” becoming common, a new term called “menodivorce” is now on the rise among elder couples. But what is meno-divorce and why are many couples in their 50s and 60s calling it quits after years of being married? Read on to know all about this new middle age crisis here:What is meno-divorce?Menodivorce refers to women in perimenopause or menopause – typically 45 to 65 – deciding to leave long-term marriages after some soul-searching. A UK survey from NOON showed one in three women this age considering it, often feeling happier and more liberated afterward. Almost half of midlife divorces start with women, driven by hormonal changes, fresh perspectives, and a desire for independence. Menopause doesn’t cause the divorce but it can put the spotlight on the marital problems that have there for many years.What causes MenodivorceImagine being a woman and spending decades balancing work, raising kids, and keeping a home running. Then midlife arrives. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone drop sharply, triggering hot flashes, sleepless nights, irritability, anxiety, or depression. These changes drain a woman’s emotional energy, turning frustrations which were earlier tolerable into marriage deal-breakers. With kids grown and leaving home, or careers stabilising, a woman might ask herself: Does this partnership still align with who I am? When the answer is no, menodivorce follows. Even in India, where staying in a marriage long after it is dead is the norm, more women are choosing to step away from the societal norm with more financial freedom and fading taboos.While Menopause doesn’t really cause divorces, it can certainly magnify the need for it for some women. Here are some reasons why:Hormonal and mood shifts: Fatigue and swings reduce patience, exposing emotional gaps or fading closeness.Need for a sense of identity beyond being a wife and mother: Empty nests make couples interact with each other more and really discover how strong their connection is.Resentments over time: Sometimes simple things like uneven household loads, poor communication, etc by your partner can pile up over the years, until it become unbearable in midlife.Empowering changes: Better finances and societal shifts let women choose fulfillment over settling.How to handle or avoid menodivorceStart honest talks: Share symptoms gently -“I’ve been struggling; let’s figure this out together” – to foster teamwork.Get outside help: Join therapy, menopause support like NOON, or see a doctor for hormone insights.Build back closeness: Divide tasks fairly, plan simple dates, or pick up shared interests to spark connection.Prioritise your well-being: Regular exercise, better sleep routines, and mindfulness calm the storm, helping you decide clearly.Lean on pros: Couples therapy uncovers fixes; solo sessions support big decisions.
