Menopause doesn’t just affect one person in a relationship, it can affect both. Hormonal changes can bring physical symptoms, emotional shifts, fatigue, brain fog, sleep disruption, and more.

For partners, it can sometimes feel confusing or even overwhelming. But with the right mindset and support, this stage of life can strengthen a relationship rather than strain it. We’ve written this blog with the guidance from My Menopause Centre

There are an estimated 15.5m women in the UK today who are at some stage of the menopause transition (perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause) so it’s important to know how best to navigate that together.

We spoke to Celena, a busy midwife who spoke honestly about what going through perimenopause was like for her. "At 47, a mum of three with a busy life as a midwife, I used to be the one laughing loudest, the life and soul of every gathering. Now, I often find myself cancelling plans, not because I don’t want to be there, but because I’m simply exhausted."

"What’s hardest is being the mum I want to be. My youngest is 3, full of life and energy, and I so badly want to match that - to be the fun, present, carefree mum I remember being. I hope she’ll get to know that version of me too.

Through it all, I’m grateful for a partner who has shown nothing but patience and support and who chooses to be curious rather than frustrated with my new little quirks. We talk about it often, or at least moan, and he listens with empathy and love."

Her partner, Dad Matters Lead Kieran said:

"This menopause thing is a real head scratcher, one minute she's being overly affectionate and the next minute I'm breathing too loudly. There have been conversations where she literally can't find the words she wants to say, and sometimes she puts something down in a completely random place and then forgets where and we spend ages searching for it. It's not been easy for either of us, but we're getting there together. I find being patient, taking on some more of the mental load with the kids or the house and approaching it with humour (when appropriate of course...) can really help to make it a less stressful time for all of us."

Here are a few reminders for anyone supporting a partner through menopause:

1.Knowledge is power

To fully support someone through any health issues, it’s good to get as informed as you can. The My Menopause Centre website has a lot of evidence-based information explained in clear terms. There is a symptom checker and this handy overview of what the menopause is. Your knowledge could also help empower them too and help you to feel more confident in conversations.

2. Lead with patience

Mood swings, irritability, or exhaustion often aren’t personal - they’re physiological. Patience goes a long way when someone is navigating changes they can’t always control.

3. Alleviate pressure in the bedroom

40-50% of women experience a loss of libido (sex drive – want to have sex) during the menopause (My Menopause Centre) “This is caused by a variety of factors, mainly low oestrogen and, for some women, falling levels of testosterone. These can stop you from feeling in the mood for sex in for the first place or make things uncomfortable when you’re getting intimate (think vaginal dryness). And then there are the other physical symptoms of the menopause such as feeling stressed or exhausted, hot flushes and night sweats, or weight gain, which can make us feel less like having sex – and make us feel less sexy. The most important thing is to talk to your partner – this is not your problem to fix on your own.”

4. Keep talking
It’s important in any relationship to talk and break down taboos. If conversations feel tense or reactions seem out of character, pause before reacting. Your partner is likely dealing with internal shifts that can be difficult to articulate but keep being there for them when they are ready to talk.

5.  Compliment your partner
As they go through hormonal and physical changes, your partner’s confidence might dip or be at an all-time low. Genuine compliments about appearance, strength, kindness, or resilience can make a big difference.

6.  Share the mental load
Appointments, life admin, family coordination, planning – all these everyday family things can feel heavier when someone is tired or mentally foggy. Stepping in without being asked shows care and partnership.

7.  Offer support, not solutions
Sometimes the most helpful thing you can say is simply: “I’m here for you.” Listening, validating feelings, and being present matters more than trying to fix everything. But also, asking what you can do to help will be appreciated.

8.  Focus on positivity and teamwork
This is a phase of life, not a flaw or a failure. Facing it as a team with humour, kindness, and empathy can make the journey much easier.

Menopause is natural, but the support around it should be intentional. A little patience, understanding, and appreciation can mean the world.

#MenopauseAwareness #SupportYourPartner #Relationships #MenopauseMatters