The Unseen Connections - Menopause & Eating Disorders

When we think about eating disorders, we often imagine young people maybe a teenager, maybe someone at university. What we rarely picture is a woman in her 40s or 50s, in the middle of her career, juggling work, family, and responsibilities. Yet eating disorders and disordered eating do not disappear with age. In fact, for many, they resurface or intensify during a life stage that’s too often misunderstood and shrouded in silence: the menopause.

This is where the unseen connections lie — between hormonal changes, body image, identity, and food. And it’s why conversations around menopause and disordered eating are so important.

Menopause: More Than Hot Flushes

For many, menopause is described only in terms of physical symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, or changes to sleep. But it’s also a deeply emotional and psychological experience. Hormones that once worked in balance shift dramatically, affecting mood, memory, and confidence. Suddenly, the sense of control you once had over your body and mind can feel like it’s slipping away.

On top of this, society still values women through the lens of youth, fertility, and appearance. When your body starts to change whether that’s weight distribution, skin, hair, or energy levels it can feel confronting, even destabilising. For those with a history of disordered eating or body image struggles, these changes can act as powerful triggers.

The Hidden Impact on Eating

Disordered eating doesn’t always look like a diagnosable eating disorder. It might be strict rules around food, constant guilt about eating, or cycles of restriction and overeating. It may not be visible to others, but it can take up huge amounts of mental space and cause deep distress.

During menopause, these behaviours can appear for the first time or return after years of recovery. Hormonal shifts and mood changes can increase the urge to control something — and food or exercise often become that outlet. For some, what begins as “healthy eating” or “keeping fit” can quietly slide into something more rigid and compulsive.

Body checking may increase. Distress about appearance may intensify. And because diet and exercise are often socially praised, these patterns can feel validated even as they become harmful; restriction followed by bingeing, or exercise pushed to the point of exhaustion.

This isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of vulnerability. Menopause heightens that vulnerability in ways few people talk about.

A Workplace Issue Too

Menopause and disordered eating aren’t just private struggles they can shape careers. Research shows that many women pass up promotions, reduce their hours, or leave their jobs because of symptoms. Add the hidden burden of disordered eating, and it’s not just health at stake it’s confidence, connection, and futures.

This is why supportive workplaces matter. Simple things from recognising signs of struggle, to creating space for honest conversations, to knowing where to signpost for help can make a life-changing difference.

Talking About the Unspoken

So how do we start tackling these unseen connections? The first step is talking openly. Both menopause and eating disorders are wrapped in stigma, and that silence allows shame to thrive. By sharing our stories, asking gentle questions, and listening without judgement, we create a culture where it’s safe to seek support.

If you’re worried about someone, you don’t need to have all the answers. What matters is being present and kind. A simple, “I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately — do you want to talk?” can open a door.

Finding Strength in Support

Recovery is possible at every stage of life. The path may not look the same for everyone, but support is out there from GPs, therapists, charities like Beat, and peer networks. Building what I call a “menopause toolkit” can also help: small steps like prioritising rest, finding trusted friends to talk to, and seeking professional advice when symptoms become too heavy to carry alone.

Yes, menopause can be challenging. But with time, care, and support, it can also be empowering. It can be a chance to rewrite our relationship with our bodies — to move away from rules and restriction, and towards compassion and acceptance.

You Are Not Alone

If there’s one message, I hope you take away, it’s this: disordered eating during menopause is not unusual, and you are not alone in it. Many women experience these struggles, even if they never say it out loud. Speaking up, asking for help, and sharing your experience are not signs of weakness. They are signs of strength.

Together, we can make the unseen connections visible. And in doing so, we can break down stigma, encourage recovery, and remind every person whatever their age that they are worthy of help and hope.

Getting Help

If you’re struggling with disordered eating, or worried about someone you know, Beat is here.

No one is ever too old to deserve recovery.

Written by Gemma

If you'd like to read more about how menopause affects eating disorders, and vice versa, head to our webpage here: Eating Disorders and Menopause