Her husband’s reaction to her entering the "change of life" was of major concern to Pamela Roch when she started experiencing menopause symptoms. She spoke with her husband about her worries and they talked for hours. It was during this lengthy conversation that she got the idea of the Menopause for Dummies lecture series. This series helps both men and women deal with the problems of menopause.

How Menopause Affects Husbands

It turns out, according to Pamela’s work with thousands of men and women, that men’s and women’s fears about menopause are very different. Men worry about how female menopause will affect their partner physically and behaviorally. They wonder if she will experience a drop in libido or have terrible mood swings. Some labor under the mistaken impression that women go "crazy" during menopause.

Menopause is a trying time and presents several worries and concerns to a woman. Women worry about the emotional effects of menopause; concerns also involve wondering whether they will receive the emotional support they need, from the people who are most important to them. Pamela found that, specifically, women worry about abandonment and/or a refusal to be supportive from their husband. She also found that there is a three-pronged approach that most couples can benefit from.

Couples need to have a basic understanding of how menopause works and how the body and emotions change as a result. Dr. Susan Franklin, a teacher of one segment of Pamela’s lectures, states that the majority of women overestimate the extent to which menopause will affect them. She goes on to say that "we hear many myths about menopause in popular culture and assume we’ll turn into raging witches with hairy chins and constant hot flashes." The truth of the matter is that the experiences of most women during menopause are mild and transient.

Another important necessity is the undertaking of family therapy, which is an important aid in assisting them in sharing their thoughts and fears. Pamela’s workshops offer small group therapy session, a board-certified therapist leads these sessions. During the session both men and women are encouraged to share their thoughts, to bring their worries and needs to life. Another therapy that may be appropriate during this time is sex therapy, which can help increase the woman’s sex drive - often an obstacle created by menopause.

Most couples will find it beneficial to seek medical treatment to minimize the problematic symptoms of menopause according to Pamela. Each woman is different, but some woman can use mild medications to treat hot flashes, unwanted hair growth and mood swings. Low doses of hormones and/or antidepressants are given and successful for women struggling with menopause. Later on these medications can be tapered off when no longer needed.