Menopausecan be a challenging time for some couples.
Knowing how to support your partner through menopause can make it easier for you both.
That said, few people instinctively know what to do or say or how to help.
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A good place to start is learning about menopause and itsphysical and emotional symptoms.
This can help you better understand your partner’s experience and anticipate their mood.
You’ll also benefit from fine-tuning your relationship skills and improving communication.
This article provides menopause tips for partners.
It discusses the changes that occur during menopause and how to support your partner through them.
It also explains how to communicate better and avoid misunderstandings.
Your Partner and Menopause
Menopause can be a lengthy transition.
It commonly beginsbetween ages 45 and 55and typically lasts seven years.
However, some people experience uncomfortable symptoms for as long as 14 years.
Menopause marks the end ofmenstruationandfertility.
Hormone levels decrease, which can cause your partner’s sex drive to plummet.
This can also cause your partner to gain weight around the waistline while also losing breast tissue.
(Tip: It is wise not to mention any weight changes.)
The physical and hormonal changes of menopause can trigger negative emotions.
A person undergoing menopause may feel old, unattractive, and that they lack sex appeal.
you could support your partner by giving them compliments and assuring them you still find them attractive.
It’s also important to recognize they may be less interested in sex.
Try not to take any rejection of your advances personally.
Recognizing Symptoms
Learning the symptoms of menopause can help you understand what your partner is going through.
What’s more, they may be dealing with embarrassing bladder leakage fromstress or urge incontinence.
Some people, in fact, look forward to the transition and feel strong, happy, and hopeful.
When your partner is undergoing menopause, don’t assume that the worst will happen; it may not.
On the flip side, if a bad mood develops, don’t assume that menopause is to blame.
If your partner experiences mood swings, remind yourself that they are due to hormones.
But, rather than pointing this out, have a go at give your partner some grace.
Focus on adjusting your response and try not to take it personally.
Fine-Tuning Relationship Skills
Partners typically don’t discuss how to be supportive once menopause arrives.
This can be a challenge, given that partners often spend more time together at this stage of life.
For some couples, more time together can be both good and bad news.
Start by discussing menopause and your willingness to weather the changes it can bring.
It also helps to discuss “rules” to help you over sudden impasses or trauma.
Taking an interest in your loved one’s interest can also help.
Improving Communication
It is important to be able to talk with your partner about their menopause experiences.
Tell your partner you want to be helpful so they know that you are on their side.
Communication doesn’t come naturally for everyone, but it is a skill that can be learned.
The following tips can help.
Patience is vital in both the short and long term.
Menopause is not a “problem” to get over.
Keep a Sense of Humor
A sense of humor can help couples weather challenging times.
Keeping your sense of humor can remind your loved one that your relationship can still be fun.
At the same time, use good judgment.
Also, be careful not to use humor as a weapon to express sarcasm or to vent.
Avoid Personalizing Moods
If your partner gets upset, dont turn their upset intoyourupset.
Expressing understanding goes a long way toward turning a mood swing into a confrontation.
If an argument or attack gets personal, take a time out.
Express Approval
Don’t leave things unsaid.
If you are not someone who easily expresses appreciation or admiration, now is the time to learn.
Don’t rely on the cliche that you are the “strong, silent punch in.”
If your partner looks attractive, say so.
Remind them what qualities drew you togetherand still hold you togetheras a couple.
If you find it unnatural to express praise, say so, but still attempt to make an effort.
It means more than it’s possible for you to imagine.
Over time, expressing appreciation may become natural to you.
These tips can improve the life of someone undergoing menopause.
Offer to Help
Menopause can trigger anxiety and cause your loved one to become easily overwhelmed.
Doing simple things like washing the dishes or cleaning the living room helps ease a hectic schedule.
Planning ahead also helps.
Things that break a normal routine can cause stress.
A home repair, a visit from relatives, or a work deadline can provoke anxiety and tension.
Discuss in advance what you might do to lift some of the burdens.
Being proactive rather than reactive is always the better option.
Manage Sleep Problems
Sleep issues likeinsomniaare common during menopause.Discuss how to deal with them together.
This may involve exploringCPAP therapyif there issleep apneaand improvingsleep hygienepractices.
If you snore, you might help by occasionally sleeping in another room if your partner has insomnia.
A good night’s sleep can go a long way to improving anyone’s mood.
Whats more, couples in the study who exercised together reported greater satisfaction in their relationship.
Offer to take nightly walks or weekend bike rides.
Consider joining a gym or pool together.
These can become healthy rituals that you’re able to both feel good about.
If your partner wants or needs to change their diet, try sharing the experience together.
Consider helping to shop or cook.
Try out new recipes together and enjoy the same meals as your partner.
Tips About Sex
Sex is a common relationship struggle during the menopausal years.
It is common forlibidoto wane, and one partner may want sex more than the other.
In addition, vaginal changes during menopause can make sex uncomfortable.
Vaginal dryness combined with thinning tissue can cause intercourse to be painful.
If this happens, encourage a discussion with your partner’sgynecologist.
There are certain treatments, like estrogen cream, that can help.
The trick is to find the right balance of intimacy and sexuality.
Focus for a while on staying physically close rather than having intercourse.
Ask what makes your partner feel good and offer to do it.
Sometimes, it may be a simple foot rub or shoulder massage that keeps you both connected.
These professionals can help you find the middle ground and improve sexual communication skills as well.
It can be a time of sleeplessness, hot flashes, incontinence, weight gain, and mood swings.
National Institute on Aging.What is menopause?
