Hi Keith
I was going to post a link
http://www.irishhealth.com/?level=4&id=78But remembering Epoman didn't like those I've copied and pasted the article - hope it's useful, bless you for caring so much about people.
How can I support my partner through the menopause?Understanding the physical causes of the changes that are taking place for your wife or partner is important. You can also provide practical support:
Encourage her to talk about what she is experiencing — open communication always promotes understanding between partners.
Participate in the choice of contraception. Even after several months without a period, a woman has a chance of ovulating again. To be really secure, some form of contraception should be used for a full year after the last period. There are health reasons for avoiding pregnancy at this time. The possibility of birth defects in babies increases as women get older.
Understand the physical reasons why intercourse may be uncomfortable and even painful. Both men and women may find that sexual response isn't as quickly achieved as it may have been. Foreplay may need to be longer. Lubricating with contraceptive-type jelly or a water-based jelly may be helpful.
Help your partner to develop a healthy lifestyle — eating a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and reducing salt intake are positive approaches to a healthy lifestyle. Exercising with each other and getting enough rest will also reduce stress and improve mood.
Help your partner to weigh the pros and cons of taking HRT. More and more doctors are prescribing HRT because of its ability to reduce physical changes including hot flushes, vaginal mucous membrane changes, emotional symptoms including depression, sleep loss or changes in sleep, loss of sex drive and also for the long-term benefits in the prevention of osteoporosis and heart disease. Understanding the benefits of HRT and knowing the risks are important for you and your wife/partner.
Love, care and communicate to manage the adjustments that always need to be made, to a greater or lesser degree, during these transition years