The advice below is general advice, for any specific tailored advice relevant to any health conditions please talk to your health professional.
Menopause isn’t just a women’s health issue; it’s a relationship issue.
When your partner enters this stage of life, it can bring physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes that affect both of you. For many men, this time can feel confusing or even overwhelming. However, with understanding and support, you can help your partner navigate menopause while strengthening your relationship.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to menopause so read on to learn more about menopause and the role partners play in this transformative life stage.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of aging and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years (1). A woman is considered menopausal after 12 consecutive months without a period, typically between ages 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier or later.
It’s not a single moment but a transition that includes:
- Peri-menopause: The lead-up phase
- Menopause: 12 months without a period
- Post-menopause: Life after menopause
What is Peri-menopause ?
Perimenopause usually begins around age 40 and can last 2–10 years. Often called the “puberty of midlife,” it’s a turbulent time with hormonal fluctuations that cause physical and emotional changes.
What’s Happening in Menopause?
As menopause approaches, levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone decline, and the ovaries stop releasing eggs. These changes don’t happen steadily, they fluctuate, contributing to symptoms and feelings of uncertainty or loss of control.
Every woman’s journey through menopause is unique, while some experience minimal symptoms, others face significant challenges that impact their daily lives.
Common symptoms include:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Body aches and pains
- Dry vagina
- Sore breasts
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Brain fog
- Changes in libido (1)
Read more about the symptoms of menopause here Your Menopause Roadmap: Tracking Symptoms and What to Expect – Everee Women™
How to Support Your Partner Through Menopause
A supportive partner can make a world of difference to how a women experiences menopause.
Try this easy-to-remember approach: L.O.T.S.
- Listen & Empathise
- Offer Practical Support
- Take Care of Yourself Too
- Seek Help
Listen & Empathise
Your partner doesn’t need you to “fix” menopause, she needs you to listen and validate her experience.
- Ask, don’t assume, how are you feeling today?’ goes a long way.
- Ask your partner to help you understand their symptoms.
- Avoid jokes or dismissive comments; they can feel hurtful during a vulnerable time.
- Be patient, mood swings and fatigue aren’t personal they’re hormonal.
Offer Practical Support
Small actions can make a big difference.
- Create a calm environment such as a cooler bedroom and breathable bedding for night sweats.
- Share responsibilities, stress can worsen symptoms, so lighten her load.
- Gently encourage healthy habits such as exercise, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques to help manage symptoms.
- Attend medical appointments or research treatment options together.
Take Care of Yourself Too
Menopause can be challenging for partners as well.
- Educate yourself, understanding what’s happening reduces frustration some great places to start men and menopause — Niki Bezzant and Menopause | Jean Hailes for Women's Health | Jean Hailes
- Manage your emotions, it’s okay to feel confused, just don’t bottle it up.
- Stay connected, focus on intimacy beyond sex, emotional closeness matters.
Seek Help
If symptoms are overwhelming or causing strain in your relationship, consider professional support. Counselling or support groups can help both partners navigate this transition.
Some counsellors offering national couples therapy service include Couples Therapy and Relationship Help | Auckland New Zealand Relationship Rescue | Couples Counselling
The Bottom Line
Menopause is not just her journey, it’s yours too. By approaching this stage with empathy, patience, and teamwork, you can turn a challenging time into an opportunity for deeper connection.
Supporting your partner starts with understanding. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help her feel supported and confident through this transition.
Menopause is a phase, not forever. With the right approach, you can both move forward feeling informed, resilient, and united.
References
-
Australasian Menopause Society (2020). What is menopause? Australasian Menopause Society. Link
-
Bezzant, N. (2022). This changes everything: The honest guide to menopause and perimenopause. Penguin Random House New Zealand.
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Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. (n.d.). Menopause – information for partners fact sheet. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/menopause-information-partner
