​How to talk to your partner about menopause

Collaborative Post | From hot flushes and night sweats to sleep problems and changes to your menstrual cycle, there are a lot of uncomfortable symptoms you may have to deal with during menopause.
 
While your experience is unique to you, most women will know what it’s like to experience bodily changes that leave you feeling out of sorts and in need of additional help.

​One thing that’s often overlooked is the importance of having the support of your partner. It can be tricky to open up the conversation, so to help, we’ve put together a short guide to talking to your partner about menopause. With these three tips, you can start to ensure you’re both on the same page and equipped to handle whatever this time brings.

Photo by Hannah Dickens on Unsplash

Communicate with honesty

Some women may see menopause as a taboo topic they’d rather avoid talking about with their partner (or others). However, it’s a normal process that concerns your reproductive health, so it’s important to normalise the conversation – as with many sexual health topics. The more we talk about them, it feels more comfortable. 
 
Sharing your experiences honestly can help. For example, discussing how symptoms affect you personally, such as feeling more tired than usual or the impacts on your libido and intimate health. The more open you are about what you’re experiencing, the better positioned your partner will be to support you.

Discuss practical support

There may be practical adjustments you can make together, such as tweaking your routines, planning around your energy levels, or exploring treatment options and attending GP appointments together.
 
Sometimes, you may simply need someone to lean on for emotional support. Try to be specific about when you think you could benefit from a little extra help and understanding, like if you’re experiencing mood swings or need additional rest. It’s best to reassure your partner that they don’t always need to know exactly what to do – so long as they can listen and be present, you may feel more supported during this change.

Listen and answer their questions

Remember, this time might be a big deal for your partner too, and they’ll want to do their best to support you. Try to listen to what they have to say and answer their questions honestly – they may not be an expert on menopause, but there’s plenty they can learn.
 
Consider learning together as a team, whether by speaking to a medical professional or simply reading books or articles, so that you’re both on the same page and understand what it is you may be going through. This way, you’ll both feel equipped to tackle any challenges together head-on.

Take it day by day

Above all else, be kind to yourself. Menopause can be a difficult process, and you may not always feel like your usual self. No matter what you’re going through, your feelings are valid and you deserve to have the support of your partner.
 
Take it day by day, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There are many charities and health professionals that deal specifically with menopause concerns, so it’s worth reaching out if you feel you or your partner could use additional support.


Disclaimer:  this is a collaborative post.