Is Menopause Harming Your Relationship? (and how to fix it)

Menopause can be a challenging time. Changes to your body, emotions and energy levels can all have a big impact on how you feel. And with over 30 different menopause symptoms, from exhaustion to hot flushes; menopause often has a big effect on everyday life.

If you live with a partner, it’s likely the symptoms you’re experiencing will have an impact on your relationship too.

Here are just some of the ways menopause symptoms could be impacting on your relationship.

Fatigue

Every woman experiences menopause differently. But one of the most common symptoms during menopause and perimenopause is exhaustion.

If you’ve previously been an active person, your partner might find it surprising when you suddenly have a drop in energy. You may find you don’t want to socialise or you might be too tired to find the enthusiasm for activities you’ve previously enjoyed together.

Talk to your partner about menopause and explain that it’s natural to feel more tired than usual. If they know why you’re tired, they’re less likely to worry and can provide support when you’re feeling exhausted.

You might also want to vary your routine – perhaps meeting for a coffee at lunchtime or going to the cinema in the afternoon, rather than in an evening when you’re feeling more tired.

Night Sweats

Anyone who’s experienced night sweats knows how unpleasant they can be. But they can also be uncomfortable for your partner, particularly if you’re waking up in the night to change damp bed clothes. Try separate duvets to make things more comfortable for both of you.

Loss of Libido and Vaginal Dryness

Changes to your sex drive can be common during menopause. There are many symptoms such as vaginal dryness and anxiety that might mean sex is the last thing on your mind when you go to bed with your partner.

But if you’ve enjoyed a healthy sex life until now, your partner might worry why things have suddenly changed. Again, communication is key – explain to your partner why your sex drive has changed and talk to your GP about steps you can take if you’re keen to regain your lost libido.

Mood Swings

Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression; there are a whole host of menopause symptoms that can severely impact your mood.

You might find you’re more tearful than usual. Or you may find you're snapping at loved ones over minor issues.

It can be hard to talk rationally when you’re at the mercy of changing hormones but try to have a conversation with your partner – ideally at a time when you’re both feeling relaxed. Explain how menopause symptoms impact on your mood so they can understand better when you act out of character.

The Importance of Communication

The best way to keep your relationship on track through menopause is to keep talking. Chat to your partner about the symptoms you’re experiencing and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember communication is a two-way process so listen to any concerns or worries your partner might have and explain how your partner can best support you.

It’s a great idea to talk to friends of a similar age too who can often share advice from their own experiences. It’s also a good idea to visit your GP to discuss your symptoms as they’ll be able to suggest ways to help.

How to Boost Your Confidence During Menopause

When we interviewed women, who are either menopausal or post-menopausal, 87% told us they felt less confident during this time. And of those who reported a loss of confidence, 70% said they felt less confident about their appearance.

When talking about their symptoms, 87% of those surveyed had noticed changes to their skin during menopause – with sagging and drooping the number one skin concern.

A lack of confidence in your appearance can affect your relationship with your partner. So, if you want to feel more confident about your appearance during menopause, a good place to start is with your skincare regime.

As we’ve seen, it’s common for women to feel less confident about their skin during menopause. The cause is due largely to decreasing oestrogen levels which lead to a loss of collagen and in turn, to the dropping and sagging in skin that women want to avoid.

Switch Up Your Skincare

Emepelle is the first and only line of skincare products to feature MEP Technology®™. This revolutionary technology is clinically proven to effectively and safely reinvigorate the natural functions of skin, targeting the root cause of ageing in skin affected by menopause.

Emepelle addresses many signs of ageing including dryness, wrinkling, dullness and laxity. This makes Emepelle an ideal product to introduce into your daily routine to help you feel more confident about your appearance.

Find out more about how Emepelle helps you maintain confidence in your appearance throughout menopause.