Support for those going through Menopause:
- Access to our free Online Health & Wellbeing Platform. Available here
- Face to face counselling. Learn more here
- Free relationship counselling. Find out more here
If the menopause is affecting your close relationships, you could benefit from Relate’s one session therapy fully funded through GroceryAid. It is relevant to any relationships, married couples, LGBTQ+, non-monogamous, friends and work colleagues.
Menopause can happen naturally or for medical reasons such as surgery or chemotherapy, or a genetic reason; sometimes the reason is unknown. But the changes can affect everyone, including those close to you, such as your partner, children, friends and work colleagues. Seeking help can improve communication and understanding for everyone involved, helping you navigate this phase of your life.
GroceryAid has teamed up with relationship experts Relate to help us understand the impact menopause can have on our relationships.
In this blog post, Relate explain some of the impact menopause can have on self-esteem and stress management, society’s attitudes towards it, and its influence on relationships. By exploring these topics, we aim to encourage a more informed and empathetic approach to this significant life phase.
What is menopause?
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. Some women may experience symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, stress, or changes in sexual function.
Other symptoms may include brain fog and hot flushes.
Most people go through menopause between 45 and 55, but for some it can happen as early as their 30s. Menopause is being spoken about publicly, but it remains a ‘taboo’ subject for many people.
Menopause and self-esteem
Many people associate the menopause with ageing and may struggle with the idea of moving into this phase of their life and notice the changes in their appearance such as less supple and smooth skin, tiredness and weight gain as well as changes in libido.
Menopause and stress
Navigating midlife and menopause can be challenging due to physical and emotional changes, family demands, work-life balance, and sexual function/relationships. Seeking support can make a big difference in how you cope. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Attitudes to menopause
These days, someone who is going through the menopause can expect a third of their life to be post-menopausal. So, it’s essential for them to be able to explore attitudes and their own beliefs regarding menopause if they are to enjoy a full, healthy and respectful relationship. The idea that the menopause signals the end of the sexually active years is losing ground.
Menopause and relationships
Knowledge of menopause
Some men may feel that the menopause is ‘women’s business’ and that there is no need for them to be informed or even involved. Trying to understand your partner can be hugely beneficial to both people in the relationship, as well as the wider household. Working together, partners can address the changes that are happening at this meaningful time in life.
Change in sex drive
For some, menopause brings with it a sense of sexual liberation and over 50% of menopausal people report no decrease in libido.
However, where there is a change, partners can feel rejected, and this can cause a physical and emotional distance between them.
Coping with mood swings
This is a time when real amounts of understanding and patience are required. It’s useful for partners to recognise that the mood swings, distress and anxiety may not be anything to do with them. Empathy and understanding, and simply being there is required.
If you or someone close to you is going through the menopause, and you think you could benefit from some support with your relationships, GroceryAid provides funded counselling and support for grocery colleagues from their very first day in the industry. Through our partnership with Relate, you can apply for a range of services including couples counselling, sex therapy and family counselling.
Whether you’re dealing with relationship issues, family dynamics, or individual concerns, Relate’s non-judgemental and confidential services are designed to guide you on a journey of positive change.
Support for those going through Menopause:
