Dear Men,

She’s Probably Wondering What’s Happening to Herself Too.

I recently realized something.

I write a lot about women’s health.

But according to my readership, many of you are men.

Husbands. Partners. Fathers. Brothers. Friends.

So today, this one is for you.

When most people think about menopause, they think about hot flashes.

For many women, that’s only part of the story.

The years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin in a woman’s 40s, sometimes even earlier, and last for several years. During that time, fluctuating hormone levels can affect much more than the reproductive system.

They can affect sleep.

Memory.

Mood.

Anxiety.

Energy.

Confidence.

Concentration.

And sometimes, a woman’s sense of who she is.

If you’re watching someone you love seem different lately, there may be more going on than either of you realize.

Many women describe lying awake at 2 a.m. for no apparent reason.

Forgetting words they’ve used their entire lives.

Walking into a room and forgetting why they went there.

Feeling anxious despite never having struggled with anxiety before.

Crying more easily.

Feeling emotionally flat.

Losing confidence at work.

Wondering why they no longer feel like themselves.