menopause podcasts:

The Happy Menopause

- Jackie Lynch

Postcards from Midlife

- Lorraine Candy&Trish Halpin

The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

- Dr Louise Newson

audio:

The Menopause Diaries

- BBC Radio

The Emotional Side of Menopause: More Than Hot Flashes

Menopause is often portrayed as a biological event, a series of hormonal shifts that women will go to see the doctor about. But for those of us living it, it’s far more than a thermometer-reading exercise. It’s also emotional phase (to put it lightly!!). It’s a crash course in patience (rage anyone?!), self-compassion, and sometimes, bewilderment.

Many women expect the physical symptoms—hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption—but the emotional rollercoaster is less talked about. Mood swings can arrive uninvited, anxiety can creep in ( or increase if it was already present), and sadness can overtake. These feelings are not signs of weakness. They are the mind’s way of negotiating a body in transition, of reconciling identity shifts, and of responding to the subtle yet profound loss of fertility that society often downplays.

It can feel isolating because we are not provided with a roadmap for this journey . It happens behind closed doors and quietly (when feelings aren't being potentially externalised onto others). Instead, there are jokes about “grumpy menopausal women” or dismissive comments about “just mood swings.”  It can feel like people don't care, and that there is a real lack of understanding about what it is like to experience this.

There’s a deeply human experience waiting to be acknowledged: the chance to understand oneself on a new, richer level.

Menopause invites reflection. It asks questions about who we are beyond roles, relationships, and expectations. Why do certain things upset us now when they didn’t before? What does this new emotional intensity reveal about our unmet needs or unprocessed experiences? The process can feel like a philosophical awakening wrapped in a hormone storm.

Support is key, whether from friends who listen without judgment, professionals who validate and guide, or communities that acknowledge menopause as a profound life stage. Recognizing the emotional landscape of menopause allows women to move through it with awareness, compassion, and, yes, laughter. Because while society may overlook it, our emotions are insisting we pay attention.

Menopause is challenging, confusing, and yet profoundly human. And it is here to stay. Our emotional experience is absolutely worth  acknowledging and supporting in this phase .

How Menopause Affects Relationships

Menopause is often described as a personal journey — but in truth, it’s a shared one. When hormones shift, emotions fluctuate, and energy levels dip, the ripple effects are felt not only by the woman experiencing menopause but also by the people closest to her. Relationships (whether romantic, family, or friendship) can all be affected too, to different degrees.

Many women describe feeling less like themselves. Mood swings, anxiety, brain fog and exhaustion can create emotional distance where there was once ease and connection. One moment you might crave closeness, and the next you just want space and quiet. This can confuse partners and loved ones who don’t realise how powerful menopause actually can be.

Communication is often the first thing to suffer. Conversations that used to flow easily might feel strained, and patience can wear thin on both sides. Libido changes and physical symptoms or disrupted sleep can also create frustration and misunderstanding within intimate relationships. It’s not uncommon for couples to worry that they’re “losing the spark,” when in reality, they’re simply navigating new territory.

However! Menopause doesn’t have to damage relationships — it can deepen them. It invites honesty, empathy, and a new kind of emotional intimacy. When both partners acknowledge what’s happening and talk openly about the challenges, it can strengthen understanding and connection. Sharing fears, frustrations, and needs helps dissolve resentment and builds a new foundation based on compassion rather than confusion.

It’s also important for friends and family to recognise that menopause can affect confidence and self-esteem. A woman might withdraw, feel less sociable, or need reassurance that she’s still valued and loved. Simple gestures of patience, humour, and kindness can make a world of difference.

Menopause is a natural stage of life. But like any change, it asks for adjustment, empathy, and communication. When approached with understanding, it can become a time of renewal, where relationships evolve, love matures, and both partners rediscover what truly connects them.

If you’re finding this transition challenging, remember: you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling can help you and your loved ones navigate menopause with compassion, clarity, and connection.