Audio Version (06:59)
Menopause is a natural and significant phase in a person’s life, often accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional changes. Supporting someone through this transition can make a significant positive impact on both their physical and mental health.
In this article, we will explore the seven best ways to support a friend or loved one going through menopause, ensuring they feel understood, valued, and empowered.
Before we get started, a bit of context. Over the last two years, I’ve trained around 4,000 in menopause awareness. Having spoken to so many people about this topic gives me a unique insight into the issues and mindset of those going through menopause, not to mention the fact that I’m a menopausal woman myself!
Understanding Menopause
Before diving into the ways to offer support, it’s essential to understand what menopause entails and its effects on the body and mind.
Educate Yourself About Menopause
The first step in providing meaningful support is to educate yourself about menopause. Understanding the physiological changes, common symptoms, and emotional challenges that menopause brings can help you empathise with your loved one’s experience.
For more information on the basic principles of menopause, you can read my previous article here. To watch the extended video, ‘022 – MENOPAUSE MATTERS! The basic principles and symptoms of MENOPAUSE’ click here.
7 Ways to Support Someone Through Menopause
1. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Encourage your loved one to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and staying hydrated can help alleviate some physical symptoms of menopause, such as weight gain and hot flashes.
Joining in with healthy lifestyle choices, too, will undoubtedly make it easier to stick to. Remember, consistency is what you’re aiming for. Motivation will almost certainly wane, and that’s where discipline comes in!
2. Offer Assistance with Sleep
Sleep disturbances are common during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations. Help create a sleep-friendly environment by ensuring a comfortable sleep space, practising good sleep hygiene, and offering to take on responsibilities that might interfere with their rest.
3. Suggest Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Some herbal remedies and supplements, like black cohosh or evening primrose oil, may help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Also, Vitamin D3, Omega 3, B12 and calcium can all make a significant difference to menopause symptoms.
Being low on these important vitamins and supplements (for anyone) can cause symptoms that appear like stress, anxiety and low mood.
However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatments.
4 . Be a Patient Listener
Offer a compassionate and empathetic ear. Sometimes, the most significant support comes from allowing your friend or loved one to express their feelings and concerns without judgment.
Validate their emotions and reassure them that their experiences are entirely normal. Also, give them your full attention if they want to talk and avoid telling them what YOU think they should do. It’s not about you, it’s about them!
5. Encourage Stress-Relief Activities
Stress can exacerbate menopausal symptoms. STRESS STEAL ESTROGEN!
Encourage stress-relief activities such as yoga, meditation, journaling or mindfulness exercises. These practices can help manage mood swings and anxiety.
6. Support Their Decision-Making
Respect your friend or loved one’s choices regarding treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Some may opt for hormone therapy, while others prefer a more holistic approach. Your role is to provide information and emotional support while respecting their autonomy.
7. Foster Open and Honest Communication
Create a safe space for open and honest communication. Encourage your loved one to share their concerns, fears, and questions about menopause. Your willingness to listen without judgment can make a significant difference in their experience.
The Wrap Up
Supporting someone going through menopause is an opportunity to strengthen your relationship and provide much-needed comfort during a challenging phase of life. Remember that every person’s experience of menopause is unique, and the level of support they need may vary.
By educating yourself, offering physical and emotional support, promoting open communication, and respecting their choices, you can help your loved one navigate this transition with confidence and grace.
Your empathy and understanding will go a long way in ensuring they feel valued and empowered as they embrace this new chapter of their life.
What Next?
I have a 4-week online course specifically designed to support menopausal people. For more information, click here. For 10% off all of my online e-learning courses, use coupon code YOUTUBE10 at checkout.
As it’s Menopause Awareness Day today (18 October 2023), this week and next, I’ll release several articles and extended videos on this topic. Titles include:
Menopause Matters! The Basic Principles and Symptoms of Menopause
Why 1 in 4 Women Consider Leaving Their Careers Due to Menopause Symptoms
Why Menopause is ‘All of a Sudden A Thing’
ANDROPAUSE – the male version of menopause
So, if you haven’t done so already, please subscribe to this newsletter AND my YouTube channel for the extended versions.
I also support people with menopause matters on a one-to-one basis and I also work with organisations delivering corporate training programmes. If you’d like more information, please DM or email me at info@jobanks.net.
As always, thanks for your continued support.
