The stresses and symptoms that can accompany early menopause can impact significantly on how a woman views her ‘self’ and ultimately this can impact on relationships with a partner (if with a partner). Apart from understanding how the physical symptoms may impact on a woman, it is helpful to understand the increased risk of psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. It might be that, as a couple, you need to define or redefine your goals, expectations, dreams and plans. Couples dealing with fertility issues, the possibility of having or not having a family, plans, dreams and expectations need to be able to talk openly. If this is a problem, a counsellor can help couples talk through their issues. It may also be helpful for partners to read through the information on all aspects of early menopause.

Some women who go through an early menopause are not yet in a committed relationship and this can provide another challenge. How do you tell a new partner that you went through menopause at 20 years of age and that you might not be able to have children? Some women lose confidence that they will be able to have an intimate relationship and this can be very distressing. Talking with a counsellor about how to approach new relationships can be helpful even if it is just for a session or two.

How can I tell a future partner that I have already gone through menopause? I don’t even know what to say when I have a hot flush during a date, let alone ask are children in his plans. If so, ‘find someone else buster’! Sally