As someone who has worked in the health care profession for more than 40 years, I’m no stranger to being asked for my professional advice on all sorts of health issues. With so much information available these days, making the right decisions for your health and wellbeing can easily become overwhelming.

It seems like almost every day there is new research or evidence to suggest a new exercise or eating routine is the fast way to good health. With so many choices, having a trusted health care professional can be an invaluable resource to help you make the best decision for you and your body.

Knowing you can talk about your health, share your opinions and exchange an informed dialogue is increasingly important as we get older.

Looking for Support

For women this is essential as they experience the onset and aftermath of menopause.

When my wife Alka started to think about her menopause journey in her mid-40, she decided early on, that she wanted to be in control and manage the experience as much as she could and involved me every step of the way.

Together, we charted a personal roadmap for managing perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. We spent time together researching articles, and after weighing up the options, Alka decided to adopt a natural, holistic approach for the management of her menopause symptoms.

What the Roadmap Looked Like

Our menopause roadmap set out scenarios and solutions, we talked about how I could provide emotional support and investigated the best natural supplements. With Alka’s experience at the top of my mind, and considering the experiences of the women I had worked with, Alka and I began to combine all-natural vitamin formulations.

Eventually, we came upon a blend of all natural ingredients that eased the symptoms of Alka’s menopause symptoms and our Fontanalla Menopause Formula was born. This very thoughtful blend of high-quality ingredients includes: Black Cohosh, Ginseng, Vitamin E and sage. All of these proved effective in easing Alka’s menopause symptoms of sleeplessness, anxiety and hot flushes.

Any husband, partner, son or significant male in a woman’s life has the responsibility to acknowledge and recognise the stages and symptoms of menopause. Being ignorant to the significant changes that happen to a woman’s body during this phase of life is simply not an option.

Include Your Men

With rapidly fluctuating hormones, menopause can be a very challenging time for women. How can men support you throughout your menopause journey?

Talk and Create a Menopause Plan

• Set aside one hour every month to talk about anything related to menopause
• How would you like to manage perimenopause?
• Think about alternative therapy, supplements, etc…
• Is HRT an Option?

Set Up a Specific Meeting with Your Health Care Provider

• Discuss the options now available for managing menopause symptoms
• What does the latest research show?
• What are the impacts and side-effects of various options?

Consider Your Lifestyle

• Studies have shown that way of life has a direct impact on the menopause experience
• Try to include regular exercise in your Menopause Plan (at least 30 mins per day – even 3 x 10-minute short walks work!)
• Review your diet – a diet high in fruit, vegetables, seafood and legumes is the best choice with limited red meat (once a week).

Men have to “man up” and get educated about what this journey means and how we can be there to provide support.

Menopause is a cycle; it is the end of menstruation – and certainly not the end of life. There are now many options available to manage the symptoms of menopause which allow women to explore the possibilities of celebrating a fulfilling and happy post-menopausal life.

How have the men in your family shown support during the stages of menopause? Would you add any specific advice that was very helpful in your journey? Please use the comments below!