Relationships and the Menopause

[jopitcairn]

How is your relationship since the menopause?
How is your "significant other" coping with the changes that are happening to your body?
Do you find your emotions are more volatile? Do you take it out on your loved ones?
If your sexual energy is diminished, how is your loved one coping?

[Lizlee]

This is why I'm here. I'm not sure if I am menopausal or just mad! I seem to suffer most of the symptoms naturally any way; excess weight round the middle, un able to lose weight, loss of sex drive etc. But I am experiencing feelings that I can't deal with. I am looking at any man under 50 as a possible mate, or father to my next child. I am just 40, married with 2 children & my husband has had the op, but in the last few weeks I have had these feelings which I really can't deal with. I particularly noticed it around the time my high school crush got in touch with me. Is this the sound of my biological clock screaming at me about last chances & all that, or am I really going mad?

[jopitcairn]

You are certainly not going mad.
I'm sure I have got more flirtatious as I've got older, possibly because one of the side effects of the menopause for me
has been growing in inner confidence.
Have you tried talking to your husband, that always defuses things for me. Or spending the afternoon with my grandson, when he is sulking for England that would be enough to put off anyone from wanting more!

[jopitcairn]

It is almost 4 years since my last period,and I have continued to use condoms,as I know that homeopathic remedies can sometimes bring a period on.
In the last month I have stopped, and it is great, definitely one of the positives of being menopausal!

[AprilA]

Hi, I am struggling with my mood swings at the moment, I flew off the handle twice over the weekend. I felt terrible afterwards. My husband is very understanding though because I have been talking to him about how I am feeling and the changes that are happening to me. Sexually we are not overly active but I am hoping that I become more so.

[kazzy1]

I find that I fly off the handle and loose my temper so quickly especially with the children. I'm sure this is due to the changes in my hormones. It's easier to talk to your partner about his however I find that it's not such as easy thing for your children to understand

[talking]

I can totally relate to the mood swings and the impact it has on one's relationships . I find that being totally open and honest with my husband as to how I'm feeling helps him to understand why I may be snappy or not so affectionate. Openness and honesty will get you a long way

[AprilA]

Yes, it is good advice. I am going to try not to fly off the handle this weekend!

[alison12]

I have always had a problem with my emotions when i had my period but now it just seems worse than ever. I used to get angry and upset for a few days when my period was due and just starting each month but now the slightest thing makes me want to cry and although my family are understanding towards it i feel that it must be getting them down too. I can't wait until this feeling is over. I have spoken to my doctor but not much advice was given. Can anyone here help?

[longterm_sufferer]

I can really identify with some of the comments regarding relationships. I feel full to brimming with mood swings at times. Also, my relationship with my husband is affected as I get terrible night sweats/hot flushes AND to make it worse I have psoriasis too. At times when my husband wants to be amourous it's the last thing on my mind! I've tried talking to him - whilst he tries to be sympathetic I don't think he really udnerstands - how can he as he's a man!!