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Menopause and anger towards your husband/ partner.



Menopause and angeer towrds your husband/ partner is common. Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. This phase often comes with a myriad of physical and emotional changes that can profoundly impact a woman's daily life and relationships. One of the more challenging aspects of menopause is dealing with anger, particularly towards a husband or partner. Understanding the correlation between menopause and anger can help couples navigate this difficult period with empathy and support.


A woman going through menopause and angry

The Physiological Changes of Menopause

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier or later. It is characterized by the cessation of menstruation and a decline in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.


The Emotional Roller Coaster

One of the most significant and often distressing symptoms of menopause is the emotional upheaval. Many women experience increased irritability, sadness, anxiety, and anger. These emotional changes can be attributed to the hormonal imbalances that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, which regulate mood. The drop in estrogen levels is a major contributor to mood swings and anger. Estrogen has a significant impact on neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, which regulates mood. As estrogen levels decline, serotonin levels can also be affected, leading to increased irritability and anger.


Anger Towards Your Husband or Partner

It's not uncommon for women going through menopause to direct their anger towards their husbands or partner. Anger is a common emotion during menopause and can often be directed towards those closest to you. There are several reasons for this:


Hormonal Fluctuations: The hormonal changes during menopause can lead to massive mood swings and heightened emotions. Small annoyances that were once manageable can become sources of significant irritation and anger. Our emotions can go from extreme anger to a sobbing mess within a few minutes without any outside influences, all due to our rollercoaster riding hormones.


Physical Discomfort: When peri menopausal women are dealing with annoying symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and fatigue on a daily basis, their patience becomes thin, which increases irritability. For anyone who is not feeling well for long stretches of time, it can be challenging to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, as you are just exhausted already.


Psychological Stress: During this significant transition for women, this can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Women feel a sense of loss or fear about aging, which can manifest as anger towards their partner. They are also questioning their purpose in life, reassessing what brings them joy, how they want to spend their time. For many women their kids are beginning to gain their own independence or may have moved out of home, and this can add more readjustment and change in a women's life.


Relationship Dynamics: The changes occurring in a woman's body and mind can strain her closest relationships, especially with husbands and partners. Many men will not fully understand the changes their wives are experiencing during menopause, as many women don't also This lack of understanding can lead women to feel frustration, misunderstood, not loved, and resentment. Men can also feel lost in how to support their wives and partners, and may move further distant from them as they feel they are not helping.


Proximity and Comfort: Spouses are often the closest and most available targets for displaced anger. The comfort level in a marriage may allow for more open expression of negative emotions and explosive anger or extreme anxiety and uncertainty.


Stress and Responsibility: Menopause can increase stress levels due to physical discomfort and emotional turmoil. Women may all of a sudden feel overwhelmed by their current responsibilities whilst dealing with their health issues, and therefore unsupported by their husbands, leading to anger.


Changes in Relationship Dynamics: Menopause can affect intimacy and sexual relationships, causing additional strain. A decreased libido or dryness and discomfort during intercourse can lead to feelings of rejection or frustration, which can be directed at the husband.


Navigating Menopause Together

While menopause can be a challenging time for both partners, there are ways to manage anger and maintain a healthy relationship:


Open Communication: Honest and open communication is crucial. As women begin to understand what is happening their bodies during this transition, women should educate and be able to express their feelings and experiences to their husbands. For men, this is a time to understand and also do your own research about what is happening to your partner and find ways to listen and be understanding that things are changing for her. What may previously not been a issue for her in the past, may be overwhelming now while she struggles through the mental and physical changes that are happening to her.


Education and Support: Learning about menopause can help both partners understand what to expect and how to cope. Couples may also benefit from counseling or support groups in their communication styles and understanding what each person needs at the moment in their relationship as it evolves and chagnes.


Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, acupuncture, supplements, Chinese herbs, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can help manage menopausal symptoms and reduce stress and anger.


Patience and Empathy: Both partners should practice patience and empathy during this transition. Understanding that menopause is a significant life change can help reduce misunderstandings and foster a supportive environment.


Conclusion

Menopause is a complex and often difficult transition, and it's natural for anger to arise during this time. By recognizing the correlation between menopause and anger towards a husband or partner, couples can take proactive steps to navigate this period with compassion and understanding. Open communication, education, and mutual support are key to maintaining a strong and healthy relationship during and after menopause. It's crucial for couples to recognize that anger during menopause is a common and often temporary issue.


If this is you and you want assistance during menopause, I now have Telehealth appointments available for anyone outside of the Sunshine Coast surroundings.

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