Everyone will be a friend, partner, colleague or family member of someone going through menopause at some point. It is important to know the changes that occur, as your understanding and support during this period is crucial for your relationship. To provide the best support to someone during menopause, it is essential to educate yourself about the various aspects of this phase.
Learn about the changes that occur during menopause. Understand the hormonal shifts, such as the decline in oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels, and how they contribute to common symptoms like changes in periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, reduced libido and joint pain.
Recognise menopause can impact a woman’s emotional wellbeing. It can be helpful to
- Understand how fluctuating hormones contribute to physical and psychological symptoms
- Familiarise yourself with the common symptoms experienced during menopause
- Understand the impact menopause can have on a woman’s emotional well-being
- Recognise that these changes are often influenced by hormonal fluctuations and can vary from person to person
- Learn about the impact low hormone levels can have on your partners future health
Lifestyle changes and treatment options
During menopause, there are lots of lifestyle changes and treatment options to consider that can greatly help your partner manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Move more – dancing, walking, running, yoga, weightlifting
- Healthy diet – increased vegetables, lean meat, oily fish and pulses
- Staying hydrated – drinking 1.5 to 2 litres a day can help keep skin, hair and organs in great condition
- Self-care practice – whilst it can be difficult, help your partner find time for them such as meditation, reading, gardening, knitting or any other hobby that helps them relax
- Good sleep – support your partner to add daily habits to their routine to help them (and you) get a restful night’s sleep
- Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – recognised as the most effective treatment for many, HRT can help your partner manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
Knowledge is power
There are also plenty of support networks, online communities, and resources dedicated to menopause. The correct platforms can provide valuable information, guidance, and a sense of community for both you and your partner.
Educating yourself about menopause will enable you to approach the topic with empathy and understanding. By having a solid knowledge base, you can better appreciate the challenges your partner may be facing and offer informed support and guidance.
Remember, you don’t have to become a menopause expert but, the more you educate yourself, the better equipped you will be to support your partner. By actively seeking knowledge and understanding, you may play an active role in creating a supportive and nurturing environment during this transformative time.
Common advice on how you can support your loved one through menopause
- Educate yourself – the more you understand the changes your partner is going through, the symptoms they may be experiencing, and the treatment options available the better
- Share information about symptoms and treatment with them, discuss what you have learned
- Help them keep a track of their symptoms using the menopause symptom tracker and diary
- Encourage and support them to see a healthcare professional to receive the right treatment for them
- Support lifestyle changes including movement, diet, good sleep and self-care
- Listen, be patient and show your partner that you love them – the physical and psychological changes can mean your partner is becoming less confident and more self-conscious
- Remember that sex during the menopause can be complicated – it is important to talk and listen to one another
The Menopause Charity
Recommended books:
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The Man's Guide to Menopause: Everything You Need to Know but were afraid to ask by Niki Wood
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Men .... Let's talk Menopause: What's going on and what you can do about it by Ruth Devlin
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MenOnPause: A Man's Guide to Understanding Menopause By Lelitia Lane