What your partner needs to know about the menopause transition, and how to support you!

What your partner needs to know about menopause // Because we don't go through menopause alone, I made a video for your partner all about what your body is going through during the menopause transition. I discuss changes in hormones, changes in sexual health, and changes in your mood and mind. Listen in and share with someone who needs to hear this!

#menopause #midlife #heatherhirschmd
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Favorite supplements are here:

My Gear:

😍 Say hi on social media!

Video's to watch next!

As always, this is not meant to be direct medical advice, my videos are for educational purposes only. These options are my own.

[heatherhirschMD]

What else do you wish your partner knew about the menopause transition? Tell me below!

[stephengoff]

I am a 49 year old man whose wife is 51 and has started going through it. It’s been rough for me because I didn’t understand how this is affecting her . Thank you so much for making this video

[buffienguyen]

I appreciate the inclusive information! :)
I'm not a partner, I'm a young adult trying to support my mom haha

[alreadytired]

I’m so appreciative of people finally talking about this subject. I was told what to expect entering puberty. Where are the crappy health class videos when you turn 35 so you know what’s going to happen? Every symptom that comes up I tell the doctor and I get “oh yeah that’s part of it”. Everyone knows about hot flashes. No one talks about hair loss and changes to your hair texture, joint pain, itchy skin, rage, body weight redistribution, etc.

[clararooney]

Im 35 years old and ive been going through the menopause since i was 22 when i lost my womb and ovaries, my husband has been amazing to support me, he looked it up and i always try to talk to him about how im feeling but there is the odd time where my body and mind is going through hell and i cant even explain to anyone what im going through, i went through it at such a young age and i still havent aceepted it xx

[JimmyPeaTV]

Thanks for this video Dr. I'm trying to understand and support my wifes situation without her knowing so it seems more natural. I found a few vids out there, but for a husband this was a fantastic stream. Thank you 🙏☮️❤️

[cm]

A fantastic video, Dr Hirsch! Thank you. I wish there’d been something like this when I went through perimenopause, both for my partner and for myself - as I did not connect so many of my symptoms with the loss of hormones. I’m so much better informed now, thanks to your work and that of other likeminded educators. I’m truly grateful. 🥰

[GinaMusings]

Rare that a partner cares if they are selfish infants, so be prepared to be abandoned or betrayed. It is for the best. Some men may stick around, but it has to be difficult for them, too, and eventually they will leave, but you can't blame them.

It is hell dating, though. I gave up in my forties. Had radical hysterectomy at 26 years old due to cancer.

It's been a very lonely life. No one understands. Not friends, family or men you date. They see me physically healthy and somewhat attractive and wonder why i dont date anymore. I make up excuses now because i am tired of people and their platitudes, "if they love you, they will understand, etc"...NO THEY DO NOT. That is from decades of experience of being rejected or betrayed.

We all have to carry a cross and try hard to make the most of life. I chose to try and be an inspiration to others and be kind and a good friend. I surround myself with lovely people and stay optimistic. Being humble helps and finding joy in the little things.

But maybe, just maybe the reason I am on this channel is because I haven't given up hope afterall.

[AH-cymd]

I went from being highly sexual, hyper sexual even, to now having absolutely zero desire for any sexual activity. Frankly, I’m quite happy with it, not being plagued with sexual thoughts and urges, and if I were single, there’d be no “problem “. My husband misses the intimacy, but we’re talking about it and will adjust. I don’t want to be on hormones medication. Sexual activity now seems like base, coarse behavior I don’t want to engage in.

[melkerner]

My wife started Peri at the age of 40 - unknowingly her libido dropped off and sex became painful (she NEVER mentioned it, indicated a problem or anything) which she attributed to relationship issues and her attitude became to convince herself in her head that she "never liking sex" - less and less, for 7 years and fast forward to today - until nothing for the last 8 years - now she is deep in Menopause, all the classic issues from weight gain, brain fog, hot flashes, sleep issues, cholesterol issues, thyroid, migraines, joint pain, itchy skin, hair loss, no touch, ZERO libido or desire. She refuses to discuss with her OBGYN, get hormones checked or anything to address the obvious hormone imbalance issues that have affected her physically, and mentally. How do you convince someone to get help when any suggestion is angrily turned into a "you just want sex" rebuttal? It's killing our marriage and relationship. She won't even kiss - but more important, she isn't receiving the proper care for all the issues which are only addressed individually instead of a whole perspective. Part of that is because she refuses to tell her doctors what's going on.

[stephaniesteerman]

Could you tell what makes Magnesium Citrate better than Magnesium Glycinate? Or is it? I’m confused by all the different Magnesium options.

[coolmister]

She’s 53 years old, and going through peri menopause, After 3 months of building a great relationship, she suddenly says she’s don’t have feelings for me and wants out of the relationship. WTf just happened? Oh well I’m out! So unfortunate..

[andgate]

So as a man...were just to toughen up and put up with the abuse. If it were the other way around it wouldnt be acceptable.

[TheEmmiller]

As a man do you wanna know what I wish these doctors would tell ladies? I do my best to be understanding, I go without sex, I go without affection. We have to but those things do not change the fact that I have desires and needs as I am extremely attracted to my wife. You don’t tell them to take care of their man.

[anthonyhardy]

We'll thanks however most of the info is already known from being with our partner. What I want to hear is what is to be expected long-term? Will she get some of her normal drive back or are we restricted to a life of hugs and hikes and kissess? I'm supportive and patient but what should be expected after her menopause is over? Will she want me then? It's so unfair for women in general.

[peemartick]

It is always personal. Not her fault but leave if you are unhappy. It's not your fault either.
No one should put up with being abused.

[Robert_Fiori]

You say: “maybe men’s testosterone levels go down a little over time”. That is such an understatement. Being an advocate for women’s issues is great, but there’s no need to misrepresent the actual rate of testosterone decline with men. In fact, the drop need not be absolute to cause significant impact on wellbeing. Yet, while almost all women reaching menopause can avail themselves of good hormone replacement therapy this is not the case for men with a testosterone level that is reduced but in the ‘normal range’ for older men, and therefore current medical guidelines state does not warrant testosterone replacement therapy. Consequently most doctors (endocrinologists) refuse to prescribe the therapy! Most men have to put up with the physical and emotional aspects of hormone changes, while women have so many more options to address symptoms of their own hormone changes. The lower ‘normal’ testosterone level for men is considered acceptable despite the negative impacts, while the normal lower level of hormones for women is considered unacceptable. This is a double standard. The male partners of women with menopausal symptoms should, and do, support them. The menopause gets high visibility and sympathy and support for women abounds both from the everyday person and very much so from the medical community and pharmaceutical suppliers. Like many men’s issues however, their own journey and consequence of hormonal depletion hardly gets considered, and sadly for many (if not most) not even understood properly by their female partners.

[darthdu]

I'm agnostic, but I was Christian. This would feel like a new punishment from God. I'm engaged to a menopausal woman. How can I get married when I'm living with a similar but different person.
I want to marry the woman I proposed to. I don't know who she is now.

There is no help for men. No support groups, no advice save "How to support your wife through this." There is no mental health help for men.

Once again we are left out in the cold and expected to be strong and supportive even though we are getting the fuzzy end of the lollipop.

[artrobinson]

Serious question from a very confused, supportive husband:

What if all recent symptoms point to perimenopause, and though even she agrees, she hasn’t or won’t look deeper into it herself? I don’t want to force an appointment on her she isn’t ready for, or maybe doesn’t want me to initially attend, if at all… I want to be supportive and I feel helpless.

I’ve found this video to gain as much understanding as I can as a man on my own, but my wife seems avoidant to the acceptance and steps that she can and should explore to assist her through this time.

What would you suggest I do?

[rockyrauf]

How long does peri-menopause last before she goes into full menopause? Then how long does menopause last? Also can menopause lead to heart problems?