Good afternoon.
I fully realise it might come across badly for a man to be posting in this forum on this subject. I can assure you my intentions are honest, and I am simply seeking some help..
All I can say, is that I've struggled to find a constructive way forward with my wife in regard to her menopause, but it's become increasingly difficult. She simply doesn't want to talk about it with me anymore, and I totally respect that.
My goal in coming on here was to be able to chat in an informal and anonymous context, in the hope it'd give me some insights I'd otherwise never be able to get.
My wife's menopause started in earnest four years ago, and without resorting to hyperbole, it's fair to say it has ravaged her. She has suffered crippling headaches, increased pain and flow during her periods, a hatred of her body, removal of all libido, and a crushing sense that it'll never go away.
She's often exhausted and exasperated with the whole experience, and quite rightly says I have no way of relating to what she's going through.
My question is this - if you're a woman who has experienced, or is currently experiencing, menopause - what would you like to say to a man in order to help him understand what you're going through?
Further, are there any big 'dos and don'ts' you'd want to tell him, in terms of what he says and does? Is there any advice you'd like to give, so he can better support and stand with you?
As I said at the beginning, I fully understand that what I am asking might be construed negatively, but I am desperate to not cause my wife any more pain than she's already suffering, and sometimes I seem to do that without realising why.
This is utterly heart-breaking, and so, in a spirit of mutual understanding and support, can any of you please help me?
Thank you, in advance, for anything you might be able to offer - I am all ears...