Health
Talking about Menopause
Twenty million American women between 45 and 60 are now in the age range when menopause occurs.
According to a new national survey, these women will experience very real symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.
These physical symptoms can be exacerbated by the lack of an empathetic spouse. Unfortunately, most husbands are not aware of their wives' symptoms, much less their depression.
The reason: only 47 percent of women actually speak with their spouse about the effects that menopause could have on their relationship. Instead, women tend to turn to their friends (44 percent) and physicians (32 percent) for emotional support during menopause.
Parke-Davis, makers of the FemPatch estrogen replacement therapy, conducts research into menopause and offers these suggestions for strengthening spousal communication:
-- Make time and decide on a comfortable place for discussion.
-- Be open, consider all questions, concerns, problems or confusions.
-- Freely express experiences you or your loved one are facing.
-- Mutual respect is a must. Listen attentively, don't be judgmental. (Story by David Demko)
According to a new national survey, these women will experience very real symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.
These physical symptoms can be exacerbated by the lack of an empathetic spouse. Unfortunately, most husbands are not aware of their wives' symptoms, much less their depression.
The reason: only 47 percent of women actually speak with their spouse about the effects that menopause could have on their relationship. Instead, women tend to turn to their friends (44 percent) and physicians (32 percent) for emotional support during menopause.
Parke-Davis, makers of the FemPatch estrogen replacement therapy, conducts research into menopause and offers these suggestions for strengthening spousal communication:
-- Make time and decide on a comfortable place for discussion.
-- Be open, consider all questions, concerns, problems or confusions.
-- Freely express experiences you or your loved one are facing.
-- Mutual respect is a must. Listen attentively, don't be judgmental. (Story by David Demko)
