What Men Need to Know about the Menopause.
I don’t get the opportunity to talk to that many men about the menopause, but I talk to women who live and work with men. We talk endlessly about how relationships are strained; men don’t understand what’s going on in our heads or our bodies.
Menopause is often talked about as a “women’s issue,” but the reality is that it affects everyone around them, especially the men they live and work with. The challenge is that many men simply don’t understand what menopause really involves. For some, it’s about hot flushes and being “emotional” without recognising the deeper physical, emotional changes that can come with it. Symptoms like anxiety, sleep disruption, brain fog, and loss of confidence can be just as significant, yet far less visible.
This gap in understanding can and does create strain in relationships. At home, a partner might misread withdrawal or irritability as a personal dig, rather than seeing what’s going on.
In the workplace, a manager might interpret reduced concentration or confidence as a performance issue instead of recognising it as being related to the menopause. In both cases, the lack of awareness can leave women feeling unsupported, misunderstood, or even judged at a time when they may already feel vulnerable.
What Can You Do?
First and foremost:
Listening matters. Not trying to “fix” things. Listening helps women feel heard and validated.
Taking the time to learn about menopause, whether through online articles, training at work, or open conversations with her or friends
Talk about what’s bothering her the most
Most if not all women have zero libido. This isn’t a reflection on you but more about her lack of hormones and how she feels about herself
Can you or other family members do more to help around the house?
If she hasn’t been to her GP surgery or booked to see me, encourage her to get professional support from someone qualified in menopause and HRT
Ask how things are at work. Do you work with women who could be experiencing the same?
Workplaces should have a menopause policy, offering reasonable adjustments and support at work
Would you like work-based training?
Would you or your organisation like/need certificated training on supporting women at work?
The UK government is introducing mandatory Menopause Action Plans for employers with over 250 staff, with voluntary compliance started in April and mandatory enforcement is expected by 2027. These plans, part of the Employment Rights Bill 2025, require workplaces to detail support for symptoms, aiming to reduce gender pay gaps and retain women in the workforce.
https://training.indegu.co.uk/shop/wellbeing/menopause-awareness-training/
HRT.
If she’s on HRT but not feeling much better, do encourage her to get a review. I see lots of women who are on HRT but don’t feel any better. This shouldn’t be the case.
When I prescribe HRT and support women, life improves. Physical symptoms reduce, stress and anxiety fade and you’ll recognise your partner/friend/colleague again. If your partner/friend has been on HRT for more than 2 months but don’t feel any better…get in touch with me!
Blood tests help us both recognise which hormones needs adjusting and if Testosterone needs to be prescribed.
Ultimately, men don’t need to be experts on menopause to be supportive. What matters most is openness, respect, and a willingness to understand. When men engage in this way, it not only improves relationships but also helps create more inclusive, compassionate environments for everyone.
If you’d like to know more about the menopause to support your partner, a friend or colleague, email me.
Or book an online appointment directly via www.bourne2care.co.uk
