Five Ways You Can Support Someone Going Through Menopause

For those supporting a partner, friend or family member through menopause, knowing how to be there for them can make a huge difference. After all, menopause isn’t just a personal health journey to be travelled alone by the individual, the people around the person affected can make a huge difference too.

With that, here are five practical, thoughtful ways you can look to support someone going through menopause.

1. Be Patient and Present

Mood swings, forgetfulness, or short temper aren’t anything personal, they’re often a result of hormonal fluctuations, or the knock on effects of things like sleep disruption and pure exhaustion. These symptoms can also be varied in severity, affecting people in different ways on a daily basis. 

For added context here, this ‘Menopause Wellbeing Guide’ from Heat Holders, which included a survey of over 1,000 menopausal women, showed that 66% of them said mood changes during menopause had negatively affected their family life, and 9% even said these challenging feelings were something they experienced “all the time”. 

The best thing you can do for this person is be patient and avoid taking these moments to heart. Sometimes, just being a calm presence makes all the difference.

2. Learn What They're Experiencing

It’s easier to be supportive when you understand what someone’s going through, so taking the time to learn about their symptoms and how they might affect daily life shows empathy. Plus it can help make it easier to determine and then offer the kind or type of support that will actually make a difference to this person.

3. Offer Practical Help

Offering to take something off their plate, like handling dinner, walking the dog, or helping with errands on a tough day, can be more appreciated than you realise. The saying ‘less talk, more action’ can really ring true here.

For example, if they’re struggling with temperature changes, think about adjusting the heating, opening a window, or offering breathable bedding and layered clothing to help them stay comfortable.

4. Check In, Don’t Hover

Give them space if they need it, but don’t vanish altogether, little touches like a simple “how are you feeling today?” can show you care without putting pressure on them to explain everything. 

Like with many issues we have, regular communication helps ease tension, helps remove any stigma or awkwardness, and above all shows that you're there when they need you.

5. Encourage Professional Support, if Needed

If symptoms are affecting their day-to-day life, either emotionally or physically, encourage them to speak to a GP or professional. There are medical treatments, including HRT, as well as a variety of other medical, but non-hormonal options, which can be very effective.

Reassuring them that it’s okay to seek support can be a big step forward, especially if they’ve been trying to manage everything on their own.

Consistency is Key

You don’t need to be an expert to support someone through menopause, but being thoughtful, understanding, and simply being willing to show up in the difficult times can sometimes be enough. Small gestures, a bit of patience, and knowing when to step in can go a long way in making this transition feel less isolating for everyone.