Concerned Husband's Question About Menopause?!
Question: My wife and I are in our mid-40's. We kinda know the physical signs of menopause - erratic period, hot flashes, sweats. Only the erratic period so far.
What has me concerned is her emotional well-being. Sometimes she seems really emotionally drained, sometimes, just not there, emotionally. Sometimes she's down in the dumps, or even depressed.
We've talked about it. She doesn't want to see a doctor, yet. I try to be there for her. I'm worried.
My question: ladies, has this happened to you? Can you give me some guidance as to how I can help her and make a difference in how she feels? Is it normal?
Any insights would be really appreciated. Thank you for your responses.
Answers: My wife and I are in our mid-40's. We kinda know the physical signs of menopause - erratic period, hot flashes, sweats. Only the erratic period so far.
What has me concerned is her emotional well-being. Sometimes she seems really emotionally drained, sometimes, just not there, emotionally. Sometimes she's down in the dumps, or even depressed.
We've talked about it. She doesn't want to see a doctor, yet. I try to be there for her. I'm worried.
My question: ladies, has this happened to you? Can you give me some guidance as to how I can help her and make a difference in how she feels? Is it normal?
Any insights would be really appreciated. Thank you for your responses.
This hasn't happened to me yet, but sometimes you have to take your bride to the doctor whether she wants to go or not. You be the judge, but this might be one of those times. Sometimes people avoid going to the doctor because they are afraid they are going to hear something they don't want to like "you're beginning menopause" which equals "you're old".
You might try reminding her that life is too short to feel that way for very long.
In addition, if she follows a low-fat dietary program, you might want to make sure she is getting enough cholesterol, an important ingredient in hormones. Also, make sure she isn't eating any fake fats, vegetable oils, or vegetable shortening. Butter, olive oil, and natural expeller-pressed coconut oil are the most readily available natural fats.
Also, she might benefit, if she doesn't take them already, from taking a good multi-vitamin, plus some extra B vitamins and a B12 (these are for energy).
Is it normal? Well, it is average, but that doesn't necessarily mean normal. Help her make sure she is following a good diet with plenty of eggs, meat, animal fat, veggies and fruits, and whole grains. These will help support her while she makes this transition. Exercise will help, too.
Many of my post-menopausal friends have told me that they had emotional changes ranging from mild to crazy during menopause. But a lot of people go to the doctor and expect him to fix it with a pill while they follow a lifestyle that our bodies were not created to live on.
She may be right to not go to the doctor yet, but maybe some of these changes (if they are indeed changes) can help her, or maybe you're already doing all this and she does need medical intervention. In any case, she's lucky to have you.
I think the best thing you can do for her is just what you've done - acknowledging this is going to be difficult for her and being there to support her. Every women reacts differently. She may be more emotional than usual at times. You both may find it helpful to track her emotional ups and downs to see if they fit a pattern on the calendar and then when she is weepy, etc., she can reassure herself that it is going to pass. She may be tired or forgetful. Some women have hot flashes, some are colder than usual. She should go to her doctor for some help in easing through this stage of life. There is an over-the-counter test to see if she is going through menopause that works like a pregnancy test.
God bless you. My husband is the same way and we went thru the same thing when I first started menopause. The physical symptoms not so bad but emotional oh boy! I'm 49 and pretty much through it but still get emotional off and on. I think you're doing the right thing . Let her know she has your support and understanding. As long as she's considering seeing the Dr give her time. I didn't go till last yr but my problems started about 2-3 yrs ago. When she's ready she will go to the Dr till then just love her and be understanding like you are it's all normal.
Best of luck to both of you everything will be fine