Menopause Effect on Relationships

Menopause is a natural stage in the life of a woman. This life transition is accompanied by physical and emotional changes that affect not just the woman but also the significant others in her life. It is a time of also confronting the reality that one is entering the second half of life. For most women this becomes a time of struggling with the questio
"how do I want to spend the rest of my life" in addition to experiencing the emotional and physical changes. The interrupted sleep, irritability, mood swings, lack of libido, etc. all have an impact on the partner. Likewise any change in life direction due to this renewed self inquiry will affect their relationship.

The result of this greater self awareness is that the needs of one partner may differ from the needs of the other. All relationships develop a balance that works until one person begins to make changes. Since menopause is such a self evolving life change it can put mew strains on a relationship. The previously established balance may no longer work leaving both partners confused and frustrated.

In order for the relationship to grow both people will need to make adjustments to incorporate this expression of new needs. It becomes an emotionally confusing time for couples. Initially it is the frequently roller coaster ride of peri-menopause that has to be weathered followed by the completion of menopause and a renewed clarity for the woman of what she wants for herself.

The conflict arises if the partner is content with life as it is. What to do now? They will have to redefine their relationship. In order to do that successfully it will take both people sharing with each other as to what what their needs are. How they resolve this task has a lot to do with what happens to the relationship. Statistically speaking we know that more divorces are initiated by women in their fifties than at any other time. This is an indication that many couples do not find a way to redefine their relationship in a way that is a win-win for both.

Life changes inevitably place strains both on the individual and on the relationship. For some obtaining professional help may be the key to getting through this menopause turmoil with a strengthened relationship. While others will come through this by growing together and some will go apart.