Menopause Manners For Men

Menopause Manners for Men If over million women are going through menopause, think of what the men are going through! By Valerie Otto Menopause is not what it used to be. Women are approaching this time of life differently the new outlook is energized as most women are healthy and become free of many past identities and responsibilities. There are natural options I know many women find valuable in dealing with the bothersome symptoms at this time and Im hoping to see more women incorporate another valuable and natural ally crucial in making this next stage truly exciting -- our men! But we cant do it alone. So based on our completely unscientific research, here are tips I hope our better half will find useful. . Be ready for emergencies. This doesnt require dialing , but you still have to move fast. Sometimes the symptoms of menopause may require your loved one to exit quickly. Dont ask questions at the time, there is nothing worse than having to explain yourself in these situations--shell be sure to tell you later. Just do what she says and move out of the way. . Put yourself in her heels. Imagine what it would be like to potentially go through times of sleepless nights, hot flashes, sweats, memory loss. Are you going to be in a great mood all the time? I dont think so. Think of what this would do to any ones psyche. And yes, there are options available to her to help with this, including natural ones like Oona and flowers (no carnations). . Your marriage is not falling apart. Although you should be ready for a fundamental change. For a period of time, your spouse may seem, well, not like herself. This may be demonstrated in any number of ways. She may seem more needy, more vocal, more stubborn, and more emotional. Do not discount this experience. Big tip, men, embrace her, understand that this roller coaster shall pass and use it as an opportunity to bring you closer. If you listen, you will be able to sort through what is important to your relationship and open up a healthy discussion. . Sex? It still exists. Just dont panic. While her sex drive may dip a bit, it doesnt have to be dormant. Now there are many ways to deal with it. Be resourceful, be creative, keep it fun, and dont be judgmental or rush to conclusions. . Men-O-Pause---men just pause, stoplook at your life. Just like she is doing. Menopause is a time where a woman really takes a look at her life and her health not only because she feels her body changing. It isnt a bad idea for you either. Use it as an incentive to add some newness to your life -- like getting in shape for a long bike trip or make a habit of taking long morning or evening walks. . Dont be a smart assEducate yourself, do some research, read some books, go on line. Impress her with the new lingo. Just think how impressed your partner would be if you knew that the reason she was having hot flashes is most likely because her LH levels are high. Her mood swings can be managed. But can yours? For her, theres natural products out there but for youfind some! . The Big Mdo men go through menopause too? In a way, YES! Actually its called andropause, and while it happens more gradually than it does with women it is defined as a decrease in male hormones. In his book, "Male Menopause," author, Jed Diamond said the phase "begins with hormonal, physiological and chemical changes that occur in all men generally between the ages of and , though it can occur as early as or as late as . Common symptoms of male menopause, according to Diamond, include needing longer to recover from injuries and illness, less endurance for physical activity, weight gain, thinning hair, sleep disturbances, irritability, and reduced interest in sex.. SO dont be so judgmental! . Feeling alone? The kids, we hope have moved out. It all seems to be happening at the same time. And while most of us, both men and women, look forward to our freedoms sans kids; its still an enormous adjustment. Can our kids survive without us? Can I survive Menopause? The answer is to pull it together and turn this into a time to experience a new beginning. . Duck and Cover! That means pass her off to her friends. This is a great time to encourage her to seek out womens groups, new relationships and old friends going through the same thing. Let them take over the kitchen, the couch and the TV. Youll be much happier in the morning. . Keep your sense of humor Its not nice to say but a lot of the experiences in menopause can be funny if not at the moment, certainly a week or a month later. If you can make her laugh and see the lighter side, know you are doing your part in setting the course for a beautiful sunset together. She wont laugh if its insincere. Enough said.