Understanding Perimenopause, Menopause, and Their Influence on Relationships

The journey through perimenopause and menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life, marked by profound physical, emotional, and psychological changes.  Understanding these changes not only empowers women but it also helps their partners and loved ones navigate the changes together, fostering deeper connections and resilience in relationships.

During perimenopause and menopause, women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, breast tenderness, lower libido, fatigue, bladders problems, weight gain, joint or muscle aches, vaginal dryness, mood swings, insomnia, memory problems, trouble concentrating, depression, anxiety and heart palpitations.  These symptoms can be sporadic and unpredictable, creating a rollercoaster of physical sensations and emotional responses.

These symptoms extend beyond the individual, and can affect relationships in significant ways.  

In the workplace, symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, fatigue, and irritability could affect performance.  If employers and coworkers are unaware of what perimenopause and menopause entails, it can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. 

Perimenopause and menopause can also affect intimate relationships. For example, partners who enjoyed a robust sex life might struggle if one starts experiencing lower sex drive, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, and fatigue.  A partner who is ill-informed about perimenopause and menopause may misinterpret these side effects as rejection, which may put a strain on the relationship.  Understanding and acknowledging these symptoms is crucial, as it allows women and their partners to approach the changes with empathy, patience, and tolerance.

Does your spouse, boss, friends, or children understand what perimenopause and menopause are?  It may be helpful to educate them about this natural process.  Educating them can help protect your relationships.  By understanding that this is a medical condition and not a personal change, they may empathize with what you are enduring and may respond with compassion and support.  Since it can take time to manage menopause symptoms, do not risk losing the love and support of those who care about you.  You need their understanding during this time.

Bebe Wilkinson is the owner of Succeed LLC. She is a Lifestyle Medicine Coach and a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.