Coping With Female Menopause: A Guide for Men

Just as many men cringe at the mention of women’s monthly menstrual cycles, their reaction to female menopause is often one of avoidance. Husbands, sons, fathers and male friends are often left out in the dark when it comes to the complex transition women experience as their fertility years draw to a close. Men may be exposed to some of the physical and emotional discomfort menopause causes, but most don’t quite understand what is really going on or how they can be of help.

What’s Going On?

Just as a woman transitions into her fertile years during adolescence, female menopause is the culmination of a natural process whereby fertility ends. Physically, fertility ceases and menopause is complete when a woman’s monthly period has stopped for 12 consecutive months. The cessation is brought about as the ovaries gradually cease to function during a transitional phase known as perimenopause.

Ovaries are female reproductive glands that produce and release eggs on a monthly basis during the menstrual cycle. They also produce female hormones which promote overall health, regulate pregnancy, and control and affect women’s secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development and body shape. During perimenopause, the production of these hormone declines and eventually stops along with the monthly menstrual cycle.

What Does it All Add Up To?

The changes women’s bodies undergo as they approach menopause are complex, and the effects of all that is happening can be unpredictable. Some women experience little if any discomfort outside of the effects on the body that come naturally with aging. For others, symptoms can make it hard to carry out even the simple day to day activities life demands. Some of the most common physical symptoms of female menopause include:

• Abnormal duration and intensity of monthly periods


• Insomnia


• Fatigue


• Headaches


• Hot flashes / Night sweats

In addition, women also typically experience vaginal dryness and a lack of interest in sexual activity. All of these symptoms can also be a source of stress, which can multiply the intensity of some of the emotional or mental affects of menopause:

• Moodiness


• Irritability


• Anxiety


• Disinterest in activities


• Difficulty focusing / inability to concentrate

What Can I Do?

Simply put, women need to know they can rely on friends and family members – male and female alike – for support and understanding. Help with day to day chores and errands can be a huge relief to someone who feels exhausted and emotionally taxed. Having a compassionate, encouraging listener on hand can help tremendously with emotional and anxious periods.

Being involved with treatment decisions, lifestyle modifications, or any other new activities women initiate in response to menopause is a great way to offer encouragement. At the same time, having space to herself to rest and relax can be very therapeutic for many women. Perhaps the best approach is to ask how you can help on a regular basis, and stay committed to helping your friend or family member throughout the duration of the transition known as menopause.