Survey: Perimenopause takes an emotional toll

The emotional and cognitive effects of perimenopause may be eclipsing its better-known physical symptoms. Bonafide’s 2026 State of Menopause survey of more than 2,000 U.S. women between the ages of 40 and 64 says anxiety, depression, brain fog and sleep disruption ranked among the most disruptive concerns, with 60% of respondents saying symptoms affected their emotional and mental health. Seventy-seven percent reported cognitive changes. The survey also found widespread feeling of isolation, with 69% saying they wanted to be alone more often. Others said they felt overwhelmed and disconnected. “I feel like I’m on the outside looking in,” one woman said.