A Man’s Guide to Menopause and Perimenopause

As a man you are probably aware on some level of your wife or partner's menstrual cycle, mainly because life can be a little different on the days that she is having her period.  No doubt, also you have heard of menopause. However, are you aware of perimenopause?  In this article, we will explain to you about both menopause and perimenopause and what some or all of the symptoms your wife or partner may experience.  After you have read this article, you will have a greater understanding of what women go through during perimenopause and menopause. 

Menopause occurs because of a decrease in hormones in a woman's body, the hormones progesterone and estrogen being the main culprits.  When this decrease reaches a certain level a woman is menopausal.  However, in most if not all cases, this drop does not happen overnight, as in switching off a tap.  Instead, there is usually a decline in these hormone levels over a period of time that can last for several years, before menopause proper begins.  This lead up time is called perimenopause and is recognizable due to the fact that the symptoms of menopause commence.

So, what are these symptoms?  There are quite a few and they include hot flushes, irregular periods, irritable moods and mood swings, night sweats, sleeplessness, tiredness, a low libido and vaginal dryness. Some women are lucky not to experience too many of these symptoms and if they do have them, they are not too severe.  Other unfortunate ladies suffer extreme versions of the above symptoms and this can cause them great discomfort and anxiety.

Be very sympathetic if you are aware that your wife, girlfriend or partner is going through menopause. Figuring out if she is going through perimenopause may be a trickier thing to do, but if you can recognize the symptoms and give her support, she will deeply appreciate it.

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