Navigating Menopause Together: A Guide for Women and Their Partners

Aditi Correa, MD, MSCP
Aug 1, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Aug 28, 2024

Dear Patients,

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Correa on passing the rigorous Menopause Certification Exam in June and officially earning the Menopause Society Certified Physician (MSCP) credential!

The menopause transition marks the end of the reproductive years and the beginning of (what Dr. Correa believes to be) even healthier, wiser and more joyful years.

It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and can bring a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological changes. It’s important to understand these changes and how to manage them effectively. Equally important is the role of partners in providing support during this time.

We hope you find this newsletter useful!

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. However, symptoms may begin up to 10 YEARS PRIOR to the final menstrual period. Common ones include:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Mood swings and irritability
Sleep disturbances
Vaginal dryness, recurrent UTIs
Decreased libido
Weight gain and changes in metabolism

Managing Menopause Symptoms

Here are some strategies to help manage menopause symptoms:

Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Consider calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplements to support bone health.
Regular Weightbearing Exercise: Dwindling estrogen causes bones to lose density. Regular weightlifting, walking or pilates/yoga can strengthen bones and muscles, improve mood and increase the metabolism.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.
Medical Interventions: It is 2024! There are literally hundreds of options to protect bone health, prevent UTIs and reduce discomfort with medications. Dr. Correa has been passionate about menopause medicine for years now.

Men’s Role in Supporting Their Partners

Men can play a crucial role in helping their partner (or mom, sister, aunt) navigate the menopause transition. Here are some ways to offer support:

Educate Yourself: Learn about menopause and its symptoms. Understanding what your loved one is going through will help you provide better support.
Show Empathy and Understanding: Mood swings and irritability are common during menopause. Practice patience and offer a listening ear without judgment. Never be defensive, even if you feel you have something to defend.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Support your partner in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by joining in on healthy eating and exercise routines. Protein is key during the transition!
Communicate Openly: Maintain open lines of communication. Encourage your partner to share how she’s feeling and what she needs from you. Follow through with what she asks for.
Attend Appointments Together: If possible, attend medical appointments together. This shows your support and helps you stay informed about her health.
Show Affection: Small gestures of affection and understanding can go a long way. Some ideas: chill her dry-eye drops in the fridge, buy her a handheld fan or mister, surprise her with a 100% cotton cooling sheet set, practice deep breathing exercises with her during a hot flash.