The stresses and symptoms that can accompany early menopause can impact significantly on how a woman views her ‘self’. Ultimately this can impact on relationships with a partner (if you are with a partner). 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? It might be that, as a couple, you need to define or redefine your goals, expectations, dreams and plans.

Partners also need to be aware of what is happening, both physically and psychologically. 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 this information.

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