Relationship expert for over 50s shares her top tips for dating during the menopause for women

A quarter of women feel more comfortable in themselves since going through the menopause.

A study of 1,000 females who have been through or are currently experiencing the hormonal change found despite 24 per cent dreading it, 18 per cent now feel able to focus on what they want for the first time.

While 23 per cent feel generally care-free and 18 per cent have more confidence.

It also emerged that of the 28 per cent who are single, 16 per cent are more likely to ask for what they want from a relationship – because they know themselves better now than before.

The research was commissioned by Ourtime, which is collaborating with Pause Live, a health and wellness event at The Grand Connaught Rooms, London, on 14th September from 9am – 6pm, in a bid to support women on their journey through menopause.

Kate Taylor, dating and relationships expert for the over 50s dating app, said: “The menopause is a time of huge change for women.

“While hormonal issues can cause a range of symptoms, it can also be an empowering period, bringing increased self-awareness and confidence.

“This life stage encourages women to re-evaluate what truly matters to them and who they want to spend their lives with, allowing them to embrace their needs and desires more fully.

“Our research found that women feel there is a real lack of support and education around the menopause – which is something we are looking to change.”

The study found 23 per cent of single women were concerned about the impact menopause would have on their dating life.

However, 26 per cent admitted they needn’t have worried, with the average menopausal singleton going on three dates since the start.

And 35 per cent claimed they enjoyed ‘most of them’.

It also emerged 46 per cent found there to be no change to their romantic relationships since starting to experience symptoms.

Encouragingly, 46 per cent would feel confident opening up to a person they were seeing about their experience with the menopause.

And 54 per cent believe more honest and open conversations would help men and women better manage it.

Of all those polled, via OnePoll, 56 per cent were not prepared for what was ahead, with 37 per cent putting this down to a general lack of education.

But 24 per cent feel there is still a taboo around the subject, while 22 per cent claim they didn’t have anyone they felt they could talk to.

It also emerged the most-believed misconceptions around menopause before starting to go through it include not being able to get pregnant once it starts, inevitably gaining weight, and it always causing hot flushes.

However, when it comes to the biggest benefits, 62 per cent are happy to say goodbye to periods forever, while 29 per cent enjoy putting an end to Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.

Kate Taylor added: “We hope to empower women during this time with our Meno-Power Guide, which we have created to give women the information and help they need to make the best of this time, and to feel optimistic about the future.”

KATE TAYLOR’S TIPS FOR DATING DURING THE MENOPAUSE:

1.           Find date-friendly exercise:
Exercise is the best thing you can do when you’re menopausal – and on dates! Take up sociable activities like dancing, tennis or hiking and invite sporty partners to join.

2.           Start a new hobby:
A hobby keeps dating from being your only excitement, boosts confidence, expands your friend circle, and gives you more to talk about on dates.

3.           Embrace singles events:
A fun way to meet new people of a similar age is to attend singles events. We host meet-ups where you can meet other eligible 50+ singles in person with fun activities, like wine tasting, cookery classes, or simple drinks.

4.           Resist reassurance:
If feeling clingy, avoid the urge to ask new partners for too much reassurance. Explain your insecurities and suggest ways they can help, like staying in touch or addressing issues quickly.

5.           Reveal information on a “need to know” timeline:
Get to know a new love interest gradually. If you share too much too early, you could feel vulnerable if the relationship ends. On the first few dates, focus on general, light-hearted subjects like books, music and hobbies. As your relationship progresses, you can be more open.

6.           Give partners room to help:
If you’ve been single for a while, asking for help can be hard, but a new romantic partner likely wants to assist. Share a problem, like feeling hot at night, and give them space to offer a solution.