The thought of midlife for men often brings to mind images of midlife crises and red convertibles; for women, it's menopause. Women face challenges during midlife, such as divorce or stress from simultaneously watching over adult children and caring for aging parents, but it is often menopause that gets the reputation as being the most challenging issue. Fortunately, there are practical solutions for dealing with menopause.
Myths of Menopause
Do not believe them. Like death and taxes, menopause, with its physical and emotional changes, is inevitable, but the notion that it has to include considerable pain, mood swings, and depression is a myth. Indeed, feelings of depression may be correlated with menopause, but this does not imply causation. There are several other factors like improper sleep duration and relational difficulties that could result in mood changes. Do not make depression a self-fulfilling prophecy, because you think you should be depressed in menopause.
Relational Changes During Menopause
Expect and accept changes in your sex life. Even if you consider yourself above average in terms of libido and are in a highly satisfying marriage, your appetite for sex will wane. Don't make the assumption that you are abnormal or that your relationship will change for the worst. Changes in physiology and hormones impact many women and present couples with a challenge. Use the opportunity to find new ways to become aroused with your partner despite your slower pace. Menopause can force couples to get out of their comfort zones and find new and even more satisfying ways to be together.
Calming Anxiety
Take charge of your health. Menopause makes women start to worry about their health in ways that they may never have before. Heart disease and osteoporosis, not to mention breast cancer, can become very real concerns. Pay more attention to your body and the changes you are going through. Talk to a doctor or nutritionist to make the lifestyle changes necessary to help you take control of your health.
Alternative medicines, herbs, and naturopathy can also be helpful during menopause. Often, they can be used conjointly with hormone replacement therapy. It is important to consult with your doctor and licensed professionals before seeking such treatments.
Benefits of Menopause
Extremely negative experiences in menopause only impact a small portion of menopausal women; the focus of this time in midlife can be positive. There is much to be optimistic about, including the loss of a monthly period (and PMS) as well as the freedom to have sex without using birth control. In addition, it is a time in the life cycle in which women can get back in touch with the self-care routines they may have lost as mothers. Nurturing the mind and body with healthy food and exercise is ideal at this time.
Emotional Support During Menopause
Take advantage of resources. In addition to all the helpful books and articles on the subject, women can seek advice from friends who are going through or have experienced the same midlife transitions. Reconnect and strengthen bonds with old friends or make new ones in support or therapy groups for menopausal women. Psychotherapy is also very useful, whether it be in the form of marriage and family therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, or any other school of therapy.
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