How to talk to your wife about her mood swings during menopause
As a guy, we understand that you might be knackered when it comes to your wife’s mood swings. We do appreciate the fact that you guys are eager to help rather than just gripe about your partner’s mood swings and hot flushes, (Trust me it’s no bants for them either!!) also you don’t want to offend your wife by bringing it up, but you may want her to know that her fluctuating moods are taking a toll on your relationship. While it may be hard for you to understand exactly what your wife is experiencing, you don’t need to be gutted down. We have jotted down a few points that can help you out.
Do Your Homework Before You Talk to her
If your wife is menopausal, her mood swings most likely are not caused by a rough day at the office or the burden at home, they’re the result of a hormonal imbalance which starts happening when her ovaries age and release fewer hormones.
Hormonal imbalances occur in menopausal women when the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone starts to decline. In addition to mood swings, your wife may also experience other menopausal symptoms such as dry skin, weight change, hot flushes, night sweats, fuzzy brain and loss of libido.
Know what to expect
Some women might sail through menopause with rarely a symptom, but most of them experience different stages of mood swings, depression, hot flushes, disrupted sleep and other unpleasant sensations.
You need to be very sensitive towards what your partner is going through and also be sympathetic to how she’s feeling. Telling her “It can’t be that bad” will only add to her irritation. Try and look for ways to help minimize her discomfort. We suggest you get her a pitcher of ice water to help her cool off or probably cook for her which is a great way to show her how much you care for her or you could even rent a movie (I suggest a comedy) to give her mood a boost.
But what if she refuses your offers of help? Don’t push it. In the end, you’ll get points just for trying to be a good partner
Don’t Be Afraid to Bring it up, just share your feelings with her
More than 50% of women experience mood swings during menopause. Although they are a common symptom, it can get frustrating if not embarrassing and she may not want to discuss what she is experiencing. It might even happen that she may not even be aware of her mood swings and the impact they have on you. The best you can do is by Communicating your interest and support to her as a partner, make sure you raise concerns both about the ways her mood swings are affecting your relationship and a much larger picture – her health.
Help Her to Treat Mood Swings
Hormones are the silent culprit behind your wife’s mood swings. As such, it is important to discuss treatments for hormonal imbalances with your wife. We recommend making simple lifestyle changes such as drinking less caffeine, eating more protein, and exercising regularly…..add a few of our supplements may be.
Understanding the symptoms of menopause and how they affect your wife’s everyday life is important for your marriage – and for your wife’s health.
Seek help if you need it
If your wife’s menopause is making you overly angry or irritated, you might benefit from some professional help too
You can ask a trusted friend to recommend a support group or a therapist who is well acquainted with these kinds of issues. Sometimes just talking things out can be helpful, and a wise therapist can offer good advice on how you can make yourself and the woman in your life feel better.
Be patient in the bedroom
Sex can quite literally be a sore spot for a woman going through menopause. As estrogen levels drop due to hormonal imbalance, the tissue in and around the vagina can dry out, making it more sensitive. Estrogen makes the tissue soft and pliable., So when women go through menopause, it just gets paper-thin.Many women also tend to lose interest in sex during menopause because their levels of the male hormone testosterone which helps fuel libido, can drop along with other hormones.
Women have it in small amounts, and it’s derived from some of the estrogens in their bodies, So they actually lose a little of their testosterone too resulting in reduced sex drive.
The bottom line? Be patient. If your partner just isn’t in the mood (again), don’t press the issue. Most women’s libidos usually revive after menopause is complete. If she’s willing but has physical discomfort, we suggest she talk to her doctor about vaginal estrogen creams to help relieve the dryness.
Stay optimistic
Remember, this too will pass. You will get your partner back. She will want to have sex again. She’ll turn the air conditioner back to a reasonable setting. Meanwhile, try to be patient, helpful, supportive and thoughtful.
We recommend taking a walk with your partner. Research has shown that a 30-minute stroll improves vigor and wellbeing and it’s good for your heart too also you could simply hug her, Besides being comforting, a hug also lowers blood pressure, releases bonding hormone oxytocin and reduces stress and anxiety which is a major issue during menopause. Know that menopause is not forever. Menopause may seem like the bad gift that keeps on giving, but you can take comfort in knowing that things do get better. The transition to menopause can last up to eight years or so, but most women feel their symptoms most acutely for only about two years.
You can survive it if you know what to do and what to expect. Things will go back to the way they were before. It does get better. Just offer support. She’ll notice that, and appreciate it.