Hot flushes and night sweats are often seen as the defining features of menopause. But research from Newson Research suggest these well-known symptoms may be far from the most common – or the most distressing.

Researchers analysed symptom questionnaires from 674 women attending the Newson Clinic for the first time between March and May 2025. Each woman completed a detailed survey covering 70 possible menopause-related symptoms, ranging from physical changes to emotional wellbeing, memory, concentration and social impact. Participants were asked to rate each symptom using a Likert scale, a simple scoring system commonly used in health research. For this study, symptoms were graded from 0 (‘not at all’) to 3 (‘severe’). This allowed clinicians to see not only which symptoms were present, but how strongly they affected daily life.

More than hot flushes

The results, presented at the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, paint a striking picture.

Findings included:

• The most frequently reported problems were fatigue or low energy, memory difficulties, irritability, anxiety and trouble concentrating
• Hot flushes, often considered the hallmark of menopause, ranked just 47^th
• When researchers looked specifically at symptoms women described as severe, hot flushes dropped even further, to 52nd place
• Instead, the most intense issues were loss of interest in sex, extreme tiredness, anxiety, low motivation and a general sense of ‘not feeling yourself’.

Women also reported significant emotional and social effects, including low self-worth, strain on relationships and reduced ability to work. Many described symptoms of brain fog, including struggling with focus, motivation and confidence – symptoms that can easily be mistaken for stress, burnout or depression.

Knowledge gap

Researchers say these findings highlight a major knowledge gap in how menopause is understood and appropriately treated.

Too often, menopause is portrayed as a short phase but in reality, many women experience profound cognitive and emotional shifts that can disrupt work, relationships and overall quality of life. Because healthcare conversations still tend to centre on hot flushes, these broader symptoms may be overlooked or under-treated.

The researchers state that menopause care and treatment must be more holistic and individualised, addressing psychological wellbeing, cognition, relationships and everyday functioning, not just physical symptoms. The important roles of hormones in treatment should be considered more frequently.

Download a poster summarising NewsonResearch’s findings below.