HAVING reliable and accurate information about the menopause will help men to better understand the challenges faced by women at this time of life. This will enable them to better support their partners, friends or colleagues going through the menopause.

This article was included in issue 106 (Autumn 2025) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter.

What is the menopause?

As a woman ages, her ovaries stop working properly. When her ovaries can no longer make eggs or hormones, her periods stop and she’s no longer able to get pregnant. This is called the menopause.

A lack of ovarian hormones has significant consequences; causing a variety of symptoms and affecting her long-term health. The average age of the menopause is 51 but it can also occur much earlier; in 1% to 2% of women, the menopause occurs before the age of 40.

The perimenopause is the period of the few years before the menopause when the function of the ovaries is declining. A woman’s periods may still occur every month but these may become irregular. Reduced hormone production can lead to perimenopausal symptoms, which are very similar to those of the menopause itself.

Symptoms of the menopause

• Hot flushes and night sweats are usually described as a sudden gush of warmth, sometimes associated with sweating or palpitations (a fast heartbeat). This can occur at any time, but may be more troublesome at night if it disturbs sleep.
• Disturbed sleep without hot flushes.
• Brain fog including forgetfulness and poor concentration and focus.
• Dry skin and thinning hair.
• Mood changes such as anxiety, low mood, irritability and mood swings.
• Tiredness.
• Aching joints.
• Vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable.
• Urinary symptoms, such as frequency and incontinence.
• Headaches may become more frequent and more severe at the menopause.
• A loss of sex drive, often worsened by tiredness, low mood and poor sleep.
• Weight gain, which tends to occur around the waist.

Long-term consequences

• Osteoporosis. There’s an increase in the rate of bone loss around the menopause because of the drop in oestrogen. This can lead to osteoporosis, making a woman’s bones very thin and more likely to break.
• An increased risk of heart disease.
• Dementia is much more common in women, and some studies suggest that the risk increases at the menopause.

Treatment of symptoms

The most effective treatment for the menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing oestrogen, together with progesterone to protect the lining of the uterus (womb) from thickening and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. However, women who have had a hysterectomy only need to take oestrogen.

Menopausal women are sometimes offered antidepressants for anxiety and depression. While antidepressants may help, these may aggravate other menopausal symptoms such as tiredness, poor sleep and weight gain. HRT is the preferred treatment but sometimes a woman needs a combination of the two.

Lifestyle changes, such as exercise, a healthy diet and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, can help to ease some menopausal symptoms, minimise weight gain and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Impact of the menopause

Not all women have all of these symptoms, and the severity varies from woman to woman. The symptoms may last for just a few months or for many years. This can impact on a woman’s quality of life and may be particularly challenging because the symptoms can occur when a woman is coping with other demands, such as elderly parents as well as children or grandchildren.

The menopausal years may also coincide with a time when a woman has reached a senior and demanding position at work.

How can men help?

Husbands or male partners, colleagues and employers can make a difference by offering understanding, patience and support to women during this stage of life.

Supportive relationships

Hot flushes can disturb sleep for both partners, mood changes can lead to misunderstandings or arguments, and tiredness, loss of libido and vaginal dryness can lead to sexual difficulties. A woman may feel less attractive, and the man may feel rejected. It’s important to understand that these changes are due to the menopause. Communication is essential and can be reassuring for both partners. Sometimes, the use of lubricants can help with sex, but the expression of affection and maintaining intimacy beyond penetration can be helpful too. Men can also encourage and support their female partner to seek advice from her doctor or adopt helpful lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes are often easier and more effective when done with someone else, which can further benefit the relationship.

Support at work

Physical and psychological menopausal symptoms can lead to reduced productivity and increased days off work. A woman may decline promotion, reduce her hours or take on a less-demanding role. It’s important for male colleagues and employers to be sympathetic and respectful and listen to women while not being intrusive or judgmental. Employers should encourage a work culture in which women can talk about their symptoms, introduce flexible working hours, and make reasonable adjustments to the workplace environment.

About the author

Mr Mike Savvas is a consultant gynaecologist with a specialist interest in the menopause, at the London PMS and Menopause Centre.

Created Autumn 2025
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