Turns out, we werefarfrom alone.

And its certainly not just the person in menopause who feels the relationship troubles.

Sporadic, unpredictable manifestations of the symptoms noted above.

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That was certainly the case for me, as aType A personality.

Yet, many days during perimenopause, I could barely function.

How could I explain what I was going through to my spouse when I barely understood it myself?

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

board-certified OB/GYN, founder and CEO of women’s sexual wellness app Rosy, and clinical assistant professor at theTexas A&M School of Medicine.

After all,menopause symptoms can last as long as 10 years.

And its bad enough to go a decade with these symptoms, much less a strained relationship, too.

That applies even ifyouregoing through menopause, too.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

Come prepared with a big dose of patience, understanding, and open communication.

How to support a partner through the most common menopause symptoms

1.

Be an uplifting, loving presence

Its very possible that your partner in menopause willencounter mental health issues.

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Dr. Oreck suggests fostering open conversation about feelings and experiences, and being a reassuring presence.

Not sure where to start?

After all, up to62 percent of women report cognitive issues like memory problems7during the menopause transition.

Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

board-certified OB/GYN, founder and CEO of women’s sexual wellness app Rosy, and clinical assistant professor at theTexas A&M School of Medicine.

Supercharge that shared calendar, and take some work off your significant others plate.

Turns out, offering my husband specific guidance went a long way toward getting the support I needed.

Indeed, making perimenopause a shared experience can strengthen your bond, says Dr. Oreck.

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Two years post-menopause myself, I can confidently say it made both me and my relationship stronger.

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Parish, Sharon J et al.

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Santoro, Nanette et al.

The Menopause Transition: Signs, Symptoms, and Management Options.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismvol.

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Avis, Nancy E et al.

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Scavello, Irene et al.

Sexual Health in Menopause.Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)vol.

2 Sep. 2019, doi:10.3390/medicina55090559

Conde, Delio Marques et al.

Menopause and cognitive impairment: A narrative review of current knowledge.World journal of psychiatryvol.

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