UBCNews - Business - Menopause Guide for Men: Supporting Your Partner Through "The Change"

Episode Date: December 5, 2025

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling a topic that affects millions of relationships but doesn't always get the attention it deserves - menopause and how partners, especially men, can make a real difference during this transition. I'm joined by someone who's spent years helping couples work through this phase. So let's jump right in. When we talk about menopause, a lot of guys hear the term and think it's just hot flashes, right? But there's so much more going on. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling a topic that affects millions of relationships but doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Menopause and how partners, especially men, can make a real difference during this transition. I'm joined by someone who spent years helping couples work through this phase. So let's jump right in. When we talk about menopause, a lot of guys hear the term and think it's just hot flashes, right? But there's so much more going on. Exactly, and that's part of the problem, the lack of understanding. Menopause has a significant impact on a woman's body, sense of identity, emotions, and sex life. We're talking about a transition that can last for years.

Perimenopause symptoms can start in a woman's 30s or 40s and continue for several years. That's still a long time to be dealing with symptoms. Right, and those symptoms aren't just physical. Hormonal changes lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. anxiety, even depression. Physically, you've got hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, decreased libido. It also affects self-esteem and body image. So when a man doesn't understand what's happening, it can create real distance in the relationship. I mean, if you're watching your partner go through all this and you don't know what's causing it,

you might take it personally or just feel helpless. Absolutely. Many women feel their partners lack sufficient knowledge or resources to support them during menopause. And here's something really striking. Divorce rates tend to peak for women during their 40s and 50s, which coincides with the perimenopausal period. Wow, that's a serious connection. So what can men actually do? Because I think a lot of guys want to help,

but just don't know where to start. Education is the first step. Men need to do their own research. Find out what menopause really involves. Once you understand that these aren't just random mood swings but actual biological changes, it shifts your whole perspective. Empathy and patience becomes so much easier when you know what's behind the symptoms. I remember one couple I worked with.

The husband started reading about menopause and suddenly realized his wife's fatigue wasn't about avoiding him. That one shift in understanding changed everything for him. Mm-hmm. That's powerful. Getting informed really is half the battle. Or to put it another way, knowledge about menopause can be the difference between growing apart and growing together. That point about knowledge sets up our next piece, the practical side of support. But first, a quick word from our sponsor.

Want to support your partner effectively during one of the biggest changes of her life? Looking to learn more about paramenopause and menopause? Author Betty Johansson's Dancing Through Menopause helps put these big physical and emotional changes in a positive. light. Help your relationship come out the other side stronger and with a deeper connection. You can find her blogs and books at bettyjohansson.com. Picking up on that knowledge piece, how do you turn understanding into action? What does practical support actually look like day to day? Open communication is absolutely vital. Create a safe space where she feels comfortable talking about what she's experiencing. Some women feel they aren't meeting their own high standards,

during this transition and can be really hard on themselves. Simple questions like, tell me what you're going through, or how can I help, can open the door. So don't wait for her to bring it up. Actually initiate the conversation. Exactly. And making light of symptoms can really backfire. It undermines the distress some women experience,

leaving them feeling unsupported and misunderstood. Though I should say, um, a little humor at the right moment can help. Like joking together about needing a portable fan collection, but never joke about her symptoms themselves. Right, laughing with her, not at her. Precisely, what helps most are small acts of kindness, which can make a huge difference when someone's feeling overwhelmed. Practical things. Help with household tasks, child care, caregiving responsibilities, especially since menopause often hits when women are already juggling busy careers,

raising kids and caring for aging parents. I see, go on. Offer to go to medical appointments with her if she'd like. That shows you're invested in understanding what she's going through. And what about intimacy? Because I imagine that's one of the trickier areas to handle. Definitely. Many women experience changes in sexual desire and comfort during menopause.

But here's the encouraging part. Research suggests great sex and intimacy can continue long after menopause. Emotional closeness is positively linked to orgasm and desire. Many menopausal women find that emotional disconnection can be a significant barrier to intimacy. So it's less about the physical changes and more about feeling connected? Often, yes. Some men report that their partners' night sweats and insomnia can affect intimacy. But when couples maintain both physical and emotional intimacy, relationship satisfaction stays strong. The key is not assuming the relationship has to suffer.

You mentioned lifestyle changes earlier. How much of a difference can those really make? A significant one. Exercise, healthy eating, and self-care can help manage symptoms. And here's a tip for partners. Join her in making those healthy choices. If you're both committed to regular exercise or preparing balanced meals together, it's easier to stick with it and you're showing solidarity.

Makes sense. You're in it together rather than. than her feeling like she's dealing with it alone. Exactly, and guys should know that menopause can lead women to confront some uncomfortable truths about their lives. It's a transformative phase. A UK survey found that 73% of women blame menopause for marital breakdown, and 67% reported it increased arguments. When you realize the stakes are that high, being proactive about support becomes essential. So to everyone listening, have you had this conversation with your partner yet?

If not, what's stopping you? Whether you're going through this now or know it's coming down the road, what's the one thing you want them to take away? Menopause is a long haul, not a quick phase. Being prepared for that helps couples plan beneficial strategies. But also remember, life can be better for couples after menopause than before it. This doesn't have to damage your relationship. With understanding communication and practical support,

you can actually come out stronger on the other side. I love that perspective. It's worth starting this conversation early. Thanks so much for breaking this down with us today. My pleasure. Thanks for having me.