Navigating Menopause: A New Resource for Men Supporting Partners

A New Guide for Men Supporting Partners Through Menopause

Navigating the complexities of menopause can be challenging not just for women, but also for their partners. Recognizing this, a new book titled "Don't Be A Dck" aims to equip men with the necessary tools to support their partners during this transformative time. Co-authored by Tanya Khan, a Melbourne-based lawyer and certified menopause coach, and Darren Brealey, an award-winning playwright, the book presents a practical approach to understanding and addressing the emotional and physical challenges that arise during perimenopause and menopause.

The Necessity of Male Involvement

Recent data highlights a significant relationship strain associated with menopause. A 2022 survey conducted in the UK revealed that nearly 75% of over a thousand women cited menopause as a contributing factor to their marital breakdown. Khan emphasizes the lack of resources available specifically for men, stating, "Despite the scale of the issue, there are almost no resources for men. They're expected to support their partner but rarely given practical tools to do it."

This gap in support is addressed directly in the guides shared within the book. Brealey noted, "Most men don't pick up a menopause book. So we wrote one that meets him where he is and shows him what's actually going on." By doing so, they aim to foster empathy, understanding, and proactive communication between partners.

The LEGEND Framework

At the core of "Don't Be A Dck" is the LEGEND framework, which outlines six key behaviours that men can adopt to help their partners during this period. These guidelines not only facilitate a better understanding of what women may be experiencing but also empower men to be more supportive and less reactive. This structured approach offers practical, actionable advice rather than abstract concepts, meeting the needs of those who may feel lost in the conversation about menopause.

Khan, who is navigating her own perimenopause journey, brings both personal and professional insights to the text. She explains, "This isn't theoretical. I trained in this, I'm living it, and I still watched it strain my own world. Too often the partner is left out entirely, and the relationship takes a hit nobody planned for."

Addressing the Collective Burden

The book also tackles the emotional labour that women often bear when it comes to explaining their symptoms while managing potential relationship drift. This acknowledgment of women's experiences fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced on both sides of the relationship. Moreover, it provides a valuable resource for practitioners, giving them tools to help male partners engage actively in the menopause conversation.

As awareness of menopause and its impact on relationships grows, resources like "Don't Be A Dck" become essential. The book launches on June 30, 2026, and will be available at dbad.com.au.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Don't Be A Dck" is more than just a guide; it’s a call to action for men to become active participants in their partners’ experiences during menopause. By fostering open dialogue and understanding, this book seeks to strengthen relationships during a time that is often fraught with difficulty. As Tanya Khan puts it, "It’s about making sure both partners feel supported in a time of change." With this new resource, men now have the opportunity to step up and be the support their partners desperately need during this life phase.