New research reveals that while menopause affects every woman, knowledge of its symptoms and effects is surprisingly low. Experts recognise 48 menopause signs, yet nearly half (47%) of women can name only five or fewer, and just 7% know more than 25, revealing how many signs remain unrecognised.
The research, conducted among over 2,000 women in perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause, also revealed widespread uncertainty about what products and lifestyle changes can make a difference. Two-thirds (68%) said they are not sure what dietary changes could help ease symptoms, and nearly six in ten (59%) don’t know which supplements might be beneficial.
In total, almost three-quarters (71%) said menopause-friendly products are not clearly labelled or easy to find in shops, and 81% said they would feel more confident buying them if supermarkets offered expert-backed advice.
Despite these gaps, there is a strong appetite to break the silence and stigma surrounding menopause. Almost all women (91%) want menopause to be treated as a normal, visible part of life, rather than hidden away. Meanwhile, one in five (19%) still feel embarrassed when shopping for menopause-related products.
The research comes as Ocado Retail, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, launches the UK’s largest online aisle of menopause-friendly products in partnership with GenM, offering more than 300 MTick-certified items designed to help support one or more of the 48 signs of menopause.
Hannah Gibson, CEO of Ocado Retail, said: “At Ocado Retail, we’re committed to supporting our customers and colleagues experiencing the menopause and this research highlights just how much confusion still surrounds menopause support. Many women don’t know which products might help, or where to find them. By creating a clearly signposted aisle, we’re giving women a space where support, products and practical advice come together, offering a convenient shopping experience to help women on their journey.”
Heather Jackson, CEO and co-founder of GenM, commented: “We are so thrilled to welcome Ocado Retail to the GenM Collective – a growing movement of over 120 retailers and brands, all on a mission to make menopause-friendly products easier to find, understand and trust. With Ocado Retail now offering the widest range of MTick®-certified products, women can shop with confidence, knowing they’re being supported through every stage of the menopause journey.
“This is about more than just making menopause-friendly products accessible – it’s about delivering visibility and offering a wide range of choice to empower menopausal shoppers. By signposting trusted solutions with the MTick®, we’re helping women to feel seen, heard and empowered. And it’s not just women who benefit – we all have a role to play in supporting those going through menopause, whether personally or alongside someone we love. It’s these small changes in the online retail landscape that can make a big difference, helping everyone affected by menopause to feel supported, today – and for years to come.”
Ocado Retail’s new aisle brings together supplements, skincare, sexual health and personal care products which are MTick-certified by GenM, the menopause partner for retailers which aims to make menopause more visible. Shoppers can now find everything from vitamins and supplements to lubricants and moisturisers in one place. The aisle also features educational resources to help women understand which items may help with specific menopause signs such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, or skin changes.
Supplements were the most requested product, with nearly three quarters (73%) of women saying they want easier access to products such as vitamins, probiotics and hormone support. Foods tailored to menopause health (54%) and skincare and beauty products (53%) were also highly sought, suggesting a strong appetite for holistic, lifestyle-based support rather than medical solutions alone.
By creating this dedicated aisle, Ocado Retail is making it easier for women to find products and guidance to support them through menopause, helping turn what is often a confusing and hidden stage of life into something more visible, manageable, and supported. Visit Ocado Retail’s new menopause aisle here.
