Perimenopause Advice for Husbands: 7 Dos and Don’ts for Men

Did you know that nearly 75% of women experience perimenopause symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, impacting not just their lives but also those of their partners? 

This startling statistic sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of a woman’s life – perimenopause. It’s a phase that can be as challenging for husbands as it is for their wives. 

Understanding perimenopause advice for husbands is not just about navigating a medical condition; it’s about empathetically supporting your partner through a significant life transition. The role that husbands can play during this time is pivotal. 

How husbands can help during perimenopause goes beyond mere awareness; it encompasses adapting to emotional and physical changes in a way that can significantly ease the transition for both partners. 

This is a journey of mutual understanding, patience, and support, and it starts with recognizing the profound impact perimenopause has on a woman’s life and, consequently, on her relationship.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, is a significant phase in a woman’s life characterized by changes in menstrual cycles and hormone levels. It’s a period of transition from the reproductive years to the final menstrual period (FMP). 

During perimenopause, women often experience a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, poor sleep, adverse mood, and vaginal dryness​​. This phase can have profound effects on personal well-being, affecting not just physical health but also emotional and relational dynamics. 

For husbands, understanding perimenopause is crucial, as it can lead to perimenopause and marriage problems. Being informed and supportive during this time can greatly assist in managing these challenges, and perimenopause advice for husbands can play a pivotal role in navigating this transition smoothly together.

What do husbands need to know about menopause?

The complexities of perimenopause can be challenging not just for women but also for their husbands. It’s a time of significant change, calling for understanding, patience, and support from partners. 

Before your partner complains about “What I wish my husband knew about menopause,” here are 7 important facts that provide perimenopause advice for husbands, aimed at helping them understand what their wives are going through and how they can help make this transition easier. 

These insights are crucial for husbands seeking to know how to survive perimenopause alongside their partners and resonate with what many women wish their husbands knew about menopause.

1. Menopause is a natural life stage

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring around age 51. It’s a natural transition, not a disease, characterized by the ovaries ceasing hormone production. Husbands should understand this as a normal life stage, not an abnormality or illness​​.

2. Symptoms are diverse and affect wellbeing

Menopause can bring diverse symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Understanding and empathizing with these changes are key perimenopause advice for husbands​​.

3. Emotional support is vital

During menopause, women often experience mood swings and irritability due to hormonal changes. It’s crucial for husbands to provide emotional support and understand these feelings are not personal but part of the menopausal transition​​.

4. Physical intimacy may change

Menopause can lead to changes in sexual desire and comfort due to vaginal dryness and hormonal shifts. It’s important for husbands to be patient and understanding, exploring other forms of intimacy and connection during this time​​.

5. Communication is key

Open and honest communication is essential in managing the mood swings that accompany perimenopause together. Husbands should encourage their partners to express their feelings and needs and be willing to listen and respond with empathy and understanding​​​​.

6. Lifestyle adjustments can help

Making lifestyle changes such as ensuring a cool sleeping environment, adopting a healthy diet, and regular exercise can help manage menopausal symptoms. Husbands can support these changes by participating in or facilitating these lifestyle adjustments​​.

7. Professional help may be beneficial

Sometimes, the challenges of menopause can be overwhelming, and professional help from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial. Husbands should encourage and support their partners in seeking such help if needed​​.

Perimenopause advice for husbands: 7 Dos and 7 Don’ts 

The perimenopausal period can be a rough journey for both women and their partners. For husbands seeking to support their wives, understanding the dos and don’ts is crucial. 

This guide offers perimenopause advice for husbands, outlining practical ways to be supportive and sensitive to their partner’s needs during this transitional phase.

• The Dos

1. Do: Educate yourself about perimenopause

Gain knowledge about perimenopause to better understand what your partner is experiencing. This awareness is a fundamental part of perimenopause advice for husbands. It helps in empathizing with her physical and emotional changes and equips you to provide more effective support.

2. Do: Be patient and understanding

Recognize that mood swings and emotional upheavals are common during perimenopause. Be patient and understanding, acknowledging that these changes are often driven by hormonal fluctuations and not personal choices or behaviors.

3. Do: Offer emotional support

Provide a listening ear and be a source of emotional support. Sometimes, simply being there to listen and validate her feelings can be the most reassuring action you can take as part of the menopause tips for husbands.

4. Do: Help with daily tasks

Alleviate stress by helping with daily chores and responsibilities. This practical support can be particularly appreciated during times when she may be feeling overwhelmed or fatigued due to perimenopausal symptoms.

5. Do: Encourage healthy lifestyle changes

Support her in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which can help manage perimenopausal symptoms. This includes encouraging a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep, all of which are beneficial in navigating perimenopause.

6. Do: maintain open communication

Keep the lines of communication open. Discuss her needs, your concerns, and how you can navigate this phase together. Open dialogue is a key aspect of perimenopause advice for husbands.

7. Do: Seek professional advice if needed

Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice or counseling if you or your partner are struggling to cope. Sometimes, external support from a therapist or medical professional can provide valuable guidance and strategies.

• The Don’ts

1. Don’t: Dismiss or minimize her experiences

Avoid dismissing or minimizing her feelings and experiences. Acknowledgment and validation of what she is going through are important for her emotional well-being.

2. Don’t: Take things personally

Understand that mood swings or irritability are not directed at you personally but are symptoms of hormonal changes. Remembering this can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

3. Don’t: Ignore her needs

Be attentive to her needs, which may change during this period. Ignoring these can lead to feelings of neglect and isolation, exacerbating the challenges of perimenopause.

Dr. Gabor Mate talks about how love does not mean ignoring your own needs. Watch the eye-opening video:

4. Don’t: Overlook the impact on your relationship

Be aware that perimenopause can affect your relationship dynamics. Neglecting to address these changes can lead to further complications and misunderstandings.

5. Don’t: Hesitate to show affection

Continue to show affection and reassurance. Physical closeness, even simple gestures like holding hands or hugs, can be comforting during times of emotional upheaval.

6. Don’t: Be inflexible with plans and activities

Be flexible and understand that plans may need to change due to how she is feeling. Adaptability is key during this transitional period.

7. Don’t: Forget to take care of yourself

While supporting your partner, don’t neglect your own well-being. Managing your own health and stress is crucial, enabling you to be a better support system.

FAQs

Going through perimenopause is not just a biological journey but also an emotional one, impacting both personal well-being and relationships. 

Many questions arise during this transitional phase, especially regarding its effects on intimacy, emotions, and marital dynamics. Let’s address some common queries to offer clarity and understanding.

• Is communication essential for sustaining intimacy during perimenopause?

Absolutely. Communication is key to sustaining intimacy during perimenopause. Openly discussing feelings, changes, and needs can help partners understand and support each other better, maintaining a strong emotional connection.

• Can perimenopause affect your marriage?

Yes, perimenopause can affect marriages, primarily due to emotional and physical changes. Understanding and empathy from both partners are crucial in adapting to these changes and maintaining a healthy relationship.

• Why am I so angry during perimenopause?

Anger during perimenopause is often due to hormonal fluctuations leading to mood swings. These changes can trigger irritability and frustration, making it important to find coping mechanisms and seek support when needed.

• What is the average age of perimenopause?

The average age of perimenopause onset is typically in the late 40s, but it can vary. It’s the transitional period leading up to menopause, which usually occurs around age 51.

• Is perimenopause at 47 normal?

Yes, experiencing perimenopause at 47 is normal. It’s within the common age range for perimenopause to begin, as the body starts transitioning towards menopause.

Navigating together

As we conclude, it’s clear that the journey through perimenopause, though filled with challenges, also presents an opportunity for deeper understanding and strengthened bonds in a marriage. 

For husbands, being informed, empathetic, and supportive during this phase is not just beneficial for their partners but for the health of the relationship as a whole. 

Looking ahead, imagine a future where the trials of perimenopause have brought you closer, fostering a partnership rich in mutual respect and deeper love. The understanding and support provided now lay the foundation for a resilient, enduring connection in the years to come.