How to help your partner during the menopause

If you are at the receiving end of unpredictable mood swings, disturbed sleep and a lack of interest in sex, don't take this personally. Put yourself in her shoes. Under the same circumstances, would you behave differently?

Below are some tips on how to help your partner (and yourself) during what can sometimes be a challenging time.

• Encourage your partner to visit the GP. Your partner may think this is unnecessary, but GPs can advise on a whole range of treatments for specific menopause symptoms. Go along with her. It will show how supportive you are!
• Educate yourself about the menopause. This will allow you to avoid certain pitfalls – complaining about her kicking off the duvet as she is drenched in sweat, being in a mood etc. It will also demonstrate to her that you are trying to understand what she is going through.
• Encourage her to meet up with friends. Some of them of the same age may also have started experiencing symptoms. It also gives you a chance to recover.
• Show her you really care. Take her out for an evening meal, take the kids out for the day to give her some time on her own if she feels she needs it.
• Sex? Don’t complain. Get creative. Although a drop in sex may be due to the physical changes which are occurring in your partner’s body, it can also be caused by the emotional changes she is going through, which is why good communication is important.
• Stay positive. Remember, this will not go on forever. She’s still the same woman, and once the worst is over she’ll realise what fantastic support you gave her.

This article was published on Wed 16 September 2009