Talking about Menopause to your spouse : A Survival Guide

Broaching the Subject of Menopause Symptoms with Your Husband: A Survival Guide

If you´ve begun experiencing the symptoms of menopause, talking with your husband is probably the last thing you feel like doing. With symptoms ranging from hot flashes to vaginal dryness, you may feel embarrassed or unsexy. These are normal anxieties, but they should not get in the way of open communication with your partner. Read on for some advice to get you through the talk.
Why You Should not Be Embarrassed about Menopause

These days, everyone is talking about menopause. Thanks to recent media attention from celebrities like Suzanne Somers and Marie Osmond and the mainstream hit Menopause the Musical, you no longer need to suffer your symptoms in silence. Menopause is a natural life transition for women, so don´t be afraid to talk about it. You can broach the subject with your husband by following these tips:

1. Identify Your Anxiety
Are you afraid your husband wants you to deal with your symptoms in silence? Are you worried that he could never understand how you feel? Whatever your anxiety is, you should identify it at the very beginning of the conversation in a non-accusatory way. You and your husband will then be able to discuss why the subject is awkward, and how you can both feel more comfortable. You may be surprised by his response.

2. Let Him Know How He Can Help
The subject of menopause may be awkward for your husband simply because he doesn´t know what he can do to help. Cluing him in about environmental triggers of menopause symptoms-caffeine, dehydration, warm rooms and spicy
foods-will give him a better understanding of things he can do-or avoid doing- around the house. The most important thing you can relay is your need for emotional support.

3. Seek His Input about Treatment Options
Though you should ultimately choose the treatment that feels right to you, your husband may be able to help you weigh the pros and cons of various menopause treatments. Remember that your physical or emotional discomfort affects him, too: he just may not know how to tell you.

4. Reward Yourself
Talking about menopause can be stressful for both parties, so a little reward is in order after you´ve finished your talk. Treat yourselves to a date night full of your favorite things: a nice dinner, a movie and plenty of alone time. If you would like to know more about your symptoms please feel free to contact the Australian Menopause Centre