By John Gibb
This phrase has the connotation of support for the woman going through menopause. I would add that it also means support for the spouse/partner of the woman going through menopause. The changes that occur during menopause can be confusing for everyone. There are ways to provide menopause support for spouse- the woman and her spouse/partner.
Menopause Support for Spouse-The Woman
As a woman who is going through menopause, all of the changes that you might be going through can be very confusing. A lot is happening to your body and it can affect your mental/emotional state. The changes can have a ripple effect radiating from you to those around you especially your spouse/partner.
In order to support your spouse/partner as you go through menopause it is advisable to become familiar with the changes that are occurring. Communication at this time is integral to maintaining a healthy relationship. Talk about the changes with your spouse/partner and how they are affecting you. Inviting them to share with you how they are them will help them to know that it is not anything that they may or may not have done. Understanding the changes may enable them to provide menopause support for you. Encourage them to attend doctor appointments so they can address any concerns with them.
Menopause Support for Spouse/Partner
As someone who cares for a woman going through menopause things can get pretty hectic and confusing. The concerns for most spouses/partners are the mood swings and the hot flashes as well as other symptoms. There is a real physical cause behind these things.
It might help you to become familiar with menopausal symptoms so that you can provide greater support for your spouse/partner. If you understand what's happening, you will be better able to help your spouse go through the changes. As moods change you may be able to provide support by being more flexible and comforting.
Attending doctor appointments and addressing your concerns and your partners concerns can help you provide support when she needs it the most. It may be giving her time for herself, taking her out someplace special, or offering to do any one of the tasks she usually performs for the family to give her a break. Encourage her to do something special for herself.
Menopause Support for both Spouses
It might be beneficial for both spouses/partners to attend a support group where you can meet others who are going through menopause or others who are caring for menopausal women. Support groups can provide a way to make new friends, to learn methods of handling menopausal symptoms. Many times a guest speaker is provided that will help to keep the group up to date on new research and the variety of treatments that are available to relieve some of your menopausal symptoms. At the very least these groups can let you know that you are not alone.
Some Current Treatment Options
Hormone Replacement Therapies are the most common method of treatment. These therapies include Estrogen, Progesterone, or a combination of Estrogen and Progesterone which is the preferred protocol. There are some serious side effects with HRT that include increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and/or some cancers including breast cancer. These are potentially fatal effects.
Many women seek out natural treatments including herbal supplements to avoid the side effects of many of the traditional prescriptive drugs for menopause. Herbal supplements do not have as many side effects if any at all. Top quality supplements are extensively tested. The metabolic pathway of the ingredients at the molecular level is examined as are the interactions of the ingredients. They are made to pharmaceutical grade standards and made with only standardized herbal extracts. This helps to guarantee consistent quality and consistent dosing in each and every capsule. Herbal supplements while safe should not be added to your health regimen without the knowledge of your doctor. This is because some herbs can affect the way prescriptions you may be taking for other health conditions work.
Conclusion
Menopause support for spouse(s) should include both spouses and partners. The premise for this is that if you both have an understanding of the symptoms and can share how things are affecting each of you; the experience of menopause just might be made easier.
Treatments such as HRT have some very serious a potentially fatal side effects including cancers. Herbal supplements are a great option but their use should be with a doctor's knowledge to prevent any possible effects on other medicines you may be taking.
Support for both of you can make the road on this journey a little smoother, and this is always a good thing.
John Gibb is a nutrition enthusiast with over ten years of nutrition education and has now become a freelance writer. Currently, he focuses on information articles focused on women's health and fitness. Read more at http://www.the-menopause-source.comArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb
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