I speak to women every day about how to manage their menopause symptoms but how often their loved ones feel they can be involved. Menopause has many physical and emotional changes. It can be a complex and challenging time, having a huge impact on those closest, and sadly the cause of many relationship and career breakdowns. A recent survey done by the British Menopause Society showed 40% of partners struggled with knowing how to support their partners.  Maybe menopause is affecting your partner, daughter, friend, colleague, or employee. You may want to show your support but just don’t know where to start. 

Here are some tips to share with those around you: 

Get educated – Take time to read about the menopause- be it a book or an article.  By better understanding what menopause is and recognising how variable symptoms are, your support may be invaluable.  

Don’t take it personally – Some genuine physical and psychological symptoms can result in mood changes – forgetfulness, insomnia, exhaustion, anxiousness to name a few. I appreciate it is not fair to expect loved ones to constantly walk on eggshells but try to show sympathy and equally don’t put everything down to the menopause. It is always helpful to reflect if anything you could do differently. 

Be a team – Trying to navigate a busy lifestyle, all whilst battling debilitating symptoms can be a real challenge. With proper support, healthy lifestyle practices can help improve mental and physical well-being during menopause and the years to follow.  Don’t just sit on the side line, offer to cook healthy meals together, exercise as a family, provide reassurance. Seek helpful tips to beat their sleep and energy issues. Offer to attend health appointments with your partner. Remember, it’s ok to seek help from a specialist who can guide you through the challenges together.

Take menopause in the workplace seriously – If you are an employer, don’t treat menopause care as a tick box exercise and have a policy sitting on a dusty shelf which nobody knows exists. Staff who feel heard, supported, and valued are more productive and less absent. Have menopause champions, raise awareness through educational events, staff magazines and forums, provide occupational health assistance, encourage an open, sharing culture. These are just some of the changes I help companies incorporate to be ‘menopause friendly’.

’Over half of women over the age of 50 say their menopause symptoms were the reason for work sickness’ 

Communication is key – Listen to their personal experience. Ask them specific questions about how they would like support. Everyone’s journey is unique and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution- don’t presume Mrs Smith from work has the same symptoms and wants the same help as your wife.   

Key message – By raising awareness about menopause, I hope women will get the best support they can through this natural but important chapter. Let me reassure you, you are not alone!