My sympathies! Sometimes it is hard for men understand why the woman they’ve been with for several years has suddenly become a raving lunatic. They don’t know why we start spontaneously sweating or why we’re constantly adjusting the thermostat. They don’t understand why we laugh one minute and then burst into tears a moment later. It’s a lot to handle!

Fortunately, aside from couple’s counseling, there are ways to help your husband better understand what you are going through. There are several books available and you may even be able to find something in your local library. Here are some titles.

Men Surviving Menopause: You and the Woman You Love at Mid-Life, by Paul Selinger.
No, It’s Not Hot In Here: A Husband’s Guide to Menopause, by *** Roth
Your Guy’s Guide to Gynecology, by Bruce Bekkar, MD

These books help men become better informed about what their partners are going through, the changes to come and how to help their partners make decisions about hormone replacement therapy and other treatments.

There are a couple of websites that may be helpful to you. The North American Menopause Society offers information, book reviews and links to other sites, which may be useful. They can be found at www.menopause.org.

I would also recommend that you speak to your doctor about menopause support groups in your community that may be helpful to your husband. Remember, as important as it may be to make him understand what you’re going through it is also important that you understand as well. After all, you are the one who is experiencing menopause. There are support groups for women going through any stage of menopause and if you can’t find one in your area there are groups online. Power-Surge.com offers web chats and online forums, as well as medical advice. If you want to discuss you experiences and concerns with other women you can check out www.healthboards.com/menopause.