The Impact of Menopause on Family Members

Menopause can create ripple effects throughout a family, affecting emotional dynamics, daily routines, and relationships. Extended family members may struggle with understanding the changes and how best to support their loved one. Especially if their attitudes and behaviours change. Parents may feel anxious seeing their adult child experience menopause symptoms. They may worry about their child’s health and well-being. They might feel powerless to ease their child’s discomfort or emotional struggles, leading to feelings of frustration or sadness. It may also seriously damage relationships.

 

Strategies for Parents To Support Their Adult Child

 

• Educate Themselves: Understanding menopause can help parents empathize and support their child better. They should learn about the symptoms, available treatments, and lifestyle changes.

 

• Provide Emotional Support: They should offer a listening ear and emotional reassurance. Acknowledge their child’s struggles without trying to immediately solve problems.

 

 

• Respect Autonomy: Offer support without intruding. Recognise and respect their child’s need for privacy and space.

 

• Practical Assistance: Help with daily chores or responsibilities if needed. Offering to help with childcare can also take a massive strain off your partner and yourself.

 

Practical Tips for Effective Support

 

• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular, informal check-ins to show ongoing support and concern. This can help the affected family member feel valued and understood.

 

• Encourage Self-Care: Suggest self-care practices and stress the importance of seeking professional help when needed. Encourage activities that promote relaxation and well-being.

 

 

Siblings

 

Siblings may feel neglected or unsure of their role in supporting your partner, which can lead to feelings of resentment or frustration. The focus on one family member’s needs might alter family routines and relationships, leading to tension or misunderstandings.

 

Strategies for Support

 

• Educate Themselves: Again, learning about menopause can help siblings  better understand what your partner is experiencing and how best to offer support.

 

• Offer Practical Help: Step in to help with household tasks or responsibilities, easing the burden on their sibling.

 

 

• Maintain Open Communication: Discuss any feelings or concerns openly to prevent misunderstandings and maintain strong relationships.

 

Practical Tips for Effective Support

 

• Set Boundaries: Define clear boundaries regarding how much support each sibling can offer to avoid burnout.

 

• Foster Understanding: Engage in conversations to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the needs and well-being of the affected sibling.

 

 

Impact on In-Laws

 

Concern for Their Loved One: In-laws may feel worried about your well-being and struggle with how to offer effective support. My mother was extremely worried about the toll everything had on my health. As my ex had kept a lot of things to herself, it was a shock to everybody when she split up with me, and my Mother was heartbroken to see me continue to assist my ex and see me agonising over everything that was going on. She begged me to move on, but I refused. She wasn’t overly thrilled when I got back with her to be honest. It’s important to make a decision about how you want to proceed, and then stick to your guns. Explain that it is a medical issue and you want to stand by your partner, but always listen to the advice that you are being given, and regularly re-assess the situation and evaluate the cost to your own mental health and physical well-being.

 

Navigating Boundaries: They may be uncertain about their role and how to offer help without overstepping boundaries.

 

Strategies for Support

 

• Be a Supportive Presence: Ask them to offer emotional support and practical assistance while respecting your family’s space and dynamics.

 

• Educate Themselves: Ask them to learn about menopause to understand what you are going through and how to be supportive. Give them as much information as you can, so they can support you and your partner in a productive and non-intrusive manner.

 

Practical Tips for Effective Support

 

• Check-In Regularly: They should check in with you and your partner to offer support and show they you care.