So yes it’s a thing. It is a verifiable truth that the hormonal shift season brings mood swings along with the other symptoms. Take a deep breath. Maybe you’ve not been mean or short-tempered “just because”. However, we want to ensure that your relationships stay in tact while you navigate your way to a more pleasant experience.

While we’re at it we may need to create a “Starter Kit” for men (and friends) who are supporting a loved one in the “pause” season (peri/menopause). If you’re following on social media look out for it! *insert laugh*

Check out the results from this national survey provided by the National Library of Medicine:

Of the 1,356 surveys sent to eligible men, 450 (33%) were completed. Most men were between 50 and 69 years (80%), married and not separated (90%), and lived with their partner full time (97%). Men were aware of the symptoms regularly experienced by their partner, with difficulty sleeping (54%) and lack of energy (49%) being frequently identified; these symptoms were attributed to menopause (26%) and/or aging (22%). Of those who were affected by symptoms (63%), most men reported they negatively impacted them (77%), their partners (70%), and relationships (56%). Men engaged in discussions with their partners regarding menopausal symptoms (72%) and believed they were somewhat/very influential (75%) in their partner’s decision to seek treatment or make lifestyle adjustments.

What’s Happening?

Some of the symptoms that come along with hormonal changes that can affect mood include insomnia, brain fog, not feeling like yourself, heart palpitations and drop in libido (interest in sex). While these are not the exhausted list of symptoms these are certainly the forerunners that may be the culprit behind your mood. Remember that not only is your body changing but your brain’s neurotransmitters are adjusting as well.

Here’s What We Want You to Do

The Love Language of Communication:

Have a talk with your partner (and friends) and let them know what’s going on with you. Figure out how you want to lovingly present that. Example: Honey I know that it seems like I’ve been a loose cannon and I apologize. I am trying to navigate this new season of my life and with all of the internal changes I’m not feeling like myself. Please bare with me and I commit to finding ways to better cope with my emotions.

This helps to bring your partner (and friends) into your world so that they can figure out how to best support you. Bodily changes are inevitable but your relationships don’t have to suffer from it.

Learn Your New Triggers

Revisit the symptoms mentioned above and try to be mindful that these little boogers can be the mayhem in why you respond the way you do. Lack of sleep? You just may go off unexpectedly. Change in your desire for sex? Learn how to communicate that so it doesn’t seem like you’re blowing your partner off. Feeling forgetful? Yea that’s a big one. Tell the girls why you forgot about brunch. It’s understandable that change is here but we still have to be accountable (and fair) to our loved ones.

Self Talk Self Love

It may be time to incorporate some new ways to take care of yourself. If the “pause” is accompanied by new dis-eases attend to those. Consider that you may need a little more quiet time than usual. You may want a moment to decompress before going into work or into the house. Revisit those breathing techniques they go a long way. “Easy does it” with the way you talk to yourself. Are you often complaining about how you look? Give yourself a break and try smiling at your body from time to time. Tell her (your body) “thank you” and try to become more understanding in this season. If flowers grow by nurture then so do you.

Be Well. Be Whole.