Menopause is a natural transition. But did you know it can also increase the risk of eating disorders- or worsen existing ones?
A recent co-design study has revealed something many women know but rarely talk about: the intersection of eating disorders (ED’s) and menopause is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored.
As hormonal changes like drops in oestradiol and progesterone reshape the body and mind, body image, emotional eating, and disordered eating patterns can resurface or intesify- especially in women with a history of ED’s.
💬“Why aren’t we educated about these things? I was very unprepared for perimenopause.”
– Woman, 61, lived experience with anorexia & bulimia.
What the research found?
Lack of Awareness: Most women had never heard of the link between menopause and EDs.
Confusion & stigma: Symptoms of EDs and menopause overlap- mood swings, weight changes, fatigue- but few health professionals connect the dots.
Real voices matter: Women emphasized that lived experience and peer support are powerful tools for healing voices and awareness.
Misunderstood by doctors: Many felt dismissed or judged when seeking help in midlife.
Why this matters:
Eating disorders don’t have an age limit. Midlife brings its own challenges: caregiving, career changes, relationship shifts- and yet, most ED resources still target younger populations.
This gap leaves many women feeling isolated, confused, and untreated.
But there is hope.
A new online resource, co-designed by women with lived experience, aims to fill this gap- with real talk, practical tools, and support for both individuals and healthcare professionals. It includes:
- Menopause & ED education
- Guidance on seeking help
- Voices from real women
- Tips for self-advocacy
- Resources for loved ones and clinicians
📍 Find it on Eating Disorders Victoria’s platform “LearnED”: https://eatingdisorders.org.au/
❤️ You are not alone
If you are navigating body changes, eating struggles, or emotional confusion during menopause, know that it’s not “just in your head”- and you deserve support that understands your unique stage of life.
At Deatologos, we believe empowerment begins with education. Together, we can break the silence around midlife eating disorders.
Citation
Sharp, G., Fernando, A.N., Davis, S.R. et al. Developing an educational resource for people experiencing eating disorders during the menopause transition: A qualitative co-design study. J Eat Disord 12, 179 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-024-01139-0