Know the Facts: Your partner will spend up to half of her life in a stage of menopause. Avoid misunderstandings by learning how your partner’s changing hormone levels can lead to symptoms like mood swings, brain fog, being more tired, or changes in sexual health. There are also long term health impacts. Here is a great place to start learning. Most women are not taught much about menopause, so talking with your partner about what you have learned can help her as well. Understand that women should not have to suffer in silence through difficult menopause symptoms—there is preventative care, lifestyle changes and safe and effective treatment options available to help.

Empathize and Be Patient: Ask your partner how she’s doing. Then listen. Sometimes she may just need you to understand what she is going through rather than offering solutions. Menopause is a transition, so be understanding when things change. Remember that menopause happens in the prime of life, when women may be managing many responsibilities, including busy jobs or careers, raising kids and caring for aging parents. All this happens while their body is going through significant changes and is behaving in new ways. Provide comfort and reassurance that you will get through this together.

Communicate: Create a safe space where you partner feels comfortable openly talking about how she is doing. Some women feel they aren’t meeting their own high standards during the menopause transition and can be very hard on themselves.  Menopause often involves symptoms that can create misunderstandings in a relationship. Openly talking about things will help both of you feel seen and heard, help you be closer to each other, and strengthen your relationship. Great ways to start a conversation could be “Tell me what you’re going through” and “How can I help?

Provide Practical Support: Suggest your partner track her symptoms using the Menopause Foundation of Canada’s Symptom Tracker. Learn to recognize the physical symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness, so you can help lessen her discomfort; this can greatly improve the quality of life for your partner and for you. Go to menopause-related medical appointments with your partner if they would like you to; this is a great way for you to learn what they are going through and to show that you care. If your partner is struggling, encourage her to get help from a qualified health care provider. Let her know that there are lifestyle changes and safe and effective treatment options available to help.

Support a Healthy Lifestyle: Menopause can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall health and wellness. Join them in making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and making time for self-care.