For many women, menopause can feel like an invisible transition – one that’s rarely discussed, often misunderstood, and deeply personal. Yet, it’s one that affects relationships in profound ways.
It’s difficult for those who have not experienced menopause to make the connection with physical symptoms like brain fog and joint pain. However, menopausal symptoms can largely impact confidence and emotional wellbeing (Shrivastava et al., 2025). When these changes aren’t acknowledged or understood, women may feel unseen or isolated, especially if partners struggle to know how to help.
Women often feel anxious about how their partners will react to conversations around menopause, making open dialogue difficult and leading to emotional distance within the relationship (Groff, 2024).
But it doesn’t have to be that way. When partners approach menopause as a shared journey rather than a solo struggle, it can bring couples closer together (Northrup, 2021). Small acts like turning on the fan during a hot flush or offering a listening ear can make all the difference (Vakharia, 2023).
Menopause is a moment that calls for us to be relational; to be able to communicate with empathy, listen without judgement, and respond in ways that affirm a partner’s worth and emotions. These skills help couples to adapt to change together, fostering a sense of safety and understanding through life’s transitions.
Beyond home life, workplaces also play a vital role. Menopause costs the UK economy an estimated £10.5 billion a year due to women leaving work, absenteeism, and presenteeism (Chapman, 2025). Leaders who normalise menopause conversations, show compassion, and create supportive policies can help retain talent and reduce stigma, strengthening relationships at work as well as home (Chapman, 2025).
This World Menopause Day, we’re recognising that relationships are at the heart of wellbeing. Learn more about becoming more relational in your home and work relationships here: Our Services.
Reference list
[1] Chapman, G. (2025). Navigating Menopause in the Workplace: A Case Study exploring Attitudes, Awareness, and Impact of Menopause on employees at the Healthcare Management Trust - Research Repository. Uwtsd.ac.uk. [online] doi:https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3811/1/Chapman_G_MA_Thesis.pdf
[2] Groff, S. J. (2024). Perspective-Taking, Self-Talk, and Social Connection: A Phenomenological Study of How Individual Practices Reduce Loneliness During the Menopausal Years.
[3] Northrup, C. (2021). The wisdom of menopause: Creating physical and emotional health during the change. Hay House, Inc.
[4] Shrivastava, G., Roshiya, K.D., Gohil, D.K. and Patadia, H., 2025. Menopause and Mental Health. Journal of Neonatal Surgery, 14(17s).
[5] Vakharia, D.K. (2023). How to support someone during the menopause. [online] patient.info. Available at: https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-support-someone-during-the-menopause
