Partner Fundamentals

Included on this page are 20 essentials covering an overview of menopause from a male perspective. These essentials cover what it is, whether men get it, what causes it, when it starts, how long it lasts, the stages, hormonal changes, the signs, and symptoms, the impacts on health, relationships, and sexual experiences, and how it is diagnosed, treated and managed.

1. Educating oneself about menopause empowers husbands to better support their wives during this transition and address any challenges as they arise.
2. Menopause, a natural biological process experienced by women, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, marks the end of menstruation and natural fertility.
3. The causes of menopause include naturally occurring menopause, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) which can lead to premature menopause, and induced menopause.
4. Menopause typically starts between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51 in the United States.
5. There are three stages involved in menopause, including perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
6. Perimenopause typically lasts two to eight years. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Postmenopause follows menopause.

7. Men do not experience a direct equivalent to menopause, however, testosterone levels typically decline, as men age, yet does not end male fertility like menopause.
8. Men can develop testosterone deficiency later in life, known as Late-Onset Hypogonadism (LOH) or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS).
9. TDS is colloquially called andropause, or male menopause, and may include symptoms like fatigue, low energy, reduced libido, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

10. Physical menopause symptoms may include hot flashes and night sweats, disrupted sleep, changes in menstrual patterns, weight gain, joint pain, and headaches.
11. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) symptoms can affect sexual experiences due to low sex drive, vaginal dryness, and painful sexual intercourse.
12. Cognitive menopause symptoms may include concentration difficulty, inattentiveness, postmenopausal confusion, or brain fog, memory impairment, and recall impairment.
13. Psychological menopause symptoms may include mood swings, irritability, or anger and rage, which may be directed at spouses, and can be intense, unpredictable, and excessive.

14. Menopause is typically diagnosed retrospectively after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, including spotting.
15. Attending medical appointments with spouses may provide moral support, help with transportation, and help with remembering information discussed during appointments.
16. The rapid decline in estrogen during menopause can lead to health risks, such as osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
17. Menopause symptoms and changes can place strain on relationships and can contribute to sexual experience difficulties, calling for open and honest communication.
18. Treatment options for menopause include Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), medications, procedures, therapies, dietary supplements, and devices.
19. Management options for menopause include mindset, diet, lifestyle, exercise, sleep, employment, relationships, and sexual health changes.
20. It can be encouraging when spouses also adopt nutritional and lifestyle changes, such as eating a similar diet and exercising together.

To learn more, visit the Menopause 101 for Men page.