As someone who recognizes the importance of understanding and support in relationships, I feel compelled to directly address men about the topic of menopause. Men are not going to love menopause. Menopause is a significant life stage that many women experience, marked by profound physical and emotional changes. While I believe that men genuinely care about their partners and want to help them through this transition, I also understand that they may not always know how to offer support effectively. Menopause can be a complex and sometimes daunting topic, surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Therefore, it is crucial to provide men with accurate information and guidance on how to navigate this phase alongside their partners with compassion and understanding. Men need to love understanding menopause.
Men, I want to reassure you that your kindness and concern for your partners do not go unnoticed. Your willingness to learn and support them through challenging times like menopause is commendable. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that you may not always have all the answers or know the best way to offer assistance. By opening up a dialogue and seeking to understand what your partner is experiencing, you can create a supportive environment where she feels heard and validated. Together, we can break down barriers, dispel myths, and foster stronger, more resilient relationships built on empathy, communication, and mutual respect.
What Men Need to Know About Menopause
- Menopause is not forever for most women. It is a transition and it will get better
- Hormonal Changes: Menopause involves a significant shift in hormonal balance, impacting mood, energy levels, and physical health.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Understand that mood swings, irritability, and emotional fluctuations are common during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations. Anxiety and depression is common. Encourage her to do some stress management. Yoga, breathing, ask her to download the app Calm.
- Physical Symptoms: Be aware of physical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and joint pain that women may experience during menopause.
- Impact on Intimacy: This is a very difficult topic. Menopause can affect libido, vaginal dryness, and sexual satisfaction. For many women sex can become painful and therefore they want to avoid it. This is not a reflection of attraction or love towards you. I guarantee your woman has no interest in someone else. Communication and patience is the key. Please reassure her that she is still beautiful, and cuddle. Anything you do, do not make her feel guilty. Check my page on sexual desire and watch the videos. One explains the hormonal changes, the other explains what goes on in couple emotionally.
- Supportive Role: Recognize the importance of providing emotional support, empathy, and reassurance to partners navigating through menopause.
- Stress will give her more symptoms, therefore try to provide a stress free home
- Give her a little present. This is not mandatory, but something cozy really helps. I put together a list of what women want in the section called Simple Pleasures.
- Give her what I called: Hero Hugs. It is just a hug to show her you care.
- Communication: Encourage open and honest communication about menopausal symptoms, concerns, and needs to strengthen the relationship.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Understand that lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management can alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- give her a mini fan for hot flushes
- buy her cotton PJ
- go for a walk with her, exercising is important and it may benefit you too.
- Help her stay off processed food and sugar
- Help her stay away from alcohol
- If you cook, make sure you make more vegetables, avocado, salmon.
- Patience and Understanding: Practice patience and understanding during this transitional phase, recognizing that menopause is a natural part of life.
- Shared Experience: Nobody really loves menopause, but view the menopause experience as a shared journey for couples. Learn to foster solidarity, empathy, and mutual support through the challenges and triumphs of this life stage.
What Experts Want to Say to Men
This is a great video of Nicki Williams. She is an award-winning nutritionist, author, speaker and women’s health expert.