About 6,000 women enter menopause each day in the United States, but 42 percent of all women don’t understand how it might affect their bodies.

That’s according to a new report from the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center. The State of Women’s Health Survey and Report 2026 surveyed 2,000 women 18 years and older in March 2026 about several women’s health topics, including menopause.

Topline Findings

The report found that many women are in the dark about key aspects of menopause, including symptoms and potential treatments. The survey revealed these knowledge gaps:

More than half of respondents also said menopause isn’t discussed enough.

Lack of Information Leads to Confusion and Silence

Maria Shriver, co-founder of Cleveland Clinic Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center, said a lack of awareness of women’s issues often leads to silence when women need information.

“It’s important that we have a status report on women’s health in 2026 to guide us forward,” she told CNN. “It’s really hard to talk about women’s health or understand what women’s concerns are if you don’t have the data to guide you.”

Medical providers may also lack up-to-date information about menopause and menopause treatment options. A 2023 survey of obstetrics and gynecology residency directors found that although directors believe more menopause education is needed, many residents aren’t getting it.

Just 31 percent of residency directors said their program provided a menopause curriculum to residents. Similarly, only 29 percent said residents had the opportunity to train in a dedicated menopause clinic.

This gap in training can lead to frustrating experiences for women when they seek care.

Women in Their Own Words

Women on ThisIsMenopause and other online communities often say they feel unprepared for perimenopause. One Reddit user asked, “Why did no one warn us about menopause?” With nearly 1,000 replies, it’s clear this is a common question.

Here’s what ThisIsMenopause members had to say:

“I didn’t know how much menopause can affect us women.”

“I’m trying to get a better understanding of what to expect through menopause. I am wondering how much it really affects your emotions and if that could be part of what’s going on with me.”

“I joined this group because I needed to talk to other women, because I feel alone and it’s kinda scary.”

“It helps if you know what’s happening to you and why. It’s good to know that we’re not alone and that other women are going through the same thing.”