What Husbands Should Know About Menopause
People consider menopause a women's health issue. However, when a woman is going through menopause, it affects everyone close to her. If a woman's husband knows more about this "change of life," he will be better prepared to support her. This knowledge will help him endure this sometimes-tumultuous period, as well.
Significance
As a woman ages and the childbearing stage of life elapses, the amount of estrogen produced by her ovaries decreases. This causes an irregular menstrual cycle. Eventually, her periods will cease completely. This process is the onset of menopause. Some women's bodies transition smoothly through menopause while others undergo severe difficulties. Most women, though, fall somewhere in between. Husbands should educate themselves and be prepared to help their wives through this potentially challenging time.
Time Frame
When a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months and does not have any other physical factors (such as pregnancy or illness), she is in menopause. This generally occurs in a woman's 50s. However, menopause can take place anytime between 30 and 60. During this time, talk to your wife about what, if any, effects she is feeling. Ask what you can do to make it easier. Show support by doing things such as helping more around the house and attending doctor's visits with her.
Features
Menopause can have several symptoms, although every woman's experience is different. Hot flashes, which are a sudden feeling of heat, and sometimes facial, neck and chest flushing, are common side effects. Hot flashes while a woman is sleeping cause night sweats, making rest hard to come by. You can help your wife by keeping a fan on and dressing warmer at night. If you snore, this is an ideal time to find a solution to it. (This could help you, also, if you have dangerous apnea.)
Effects
Because of the natural decrease in estrogen, a menopausal woman may experience vaginal dryness and discomfort. This can make sexual contact uncomfortable and even painful for her. A husband should be patient with his wife during this time. Tell her that she is still attractive often, and show affection in non-sexual ways. Increased foreplay as well as personal lubricants can help significantly, but do not pressure her for sex. Encourage her to talk to her doctor about irritation or tenderness she is experiencing
Considerations
The best things a husband can do when his wife is in menopause are be tolerant, be understanding, be loving and be supportive. Your wife may undergo mood swings and feel tremendously fatigued. There might be times you will wonder what happened to your sweet partner. Just remember that she is likely feeling that way about herself, too. Don't take any rants personally. Take time to remind yourself, and her, of all of the things you love about her, and that you made a promise to stand by her. Before you know it, you will have survived menopause together.
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