Today is World Menopause Day. Norwich-based Menopause Wellness Specialist, Janette Sarginson and her husband, Travis explain why they are teaming up to launch a series of podcasts talking about how menopause can affect relationships – and how to work through it together
I’m a menopause wellness specialist and run seminars within the community and in the workplace to raise awareness of menopause and the symptoms which women are going through, to help them feel more supported. Travis and I decided to launch a series of podcasts talking about menopause and how it can affect relationships, after Travis tried to find a podcast for partners of people who are struggling with menopause, so he could have a better understanding of how he could support me. He couldn’t find anything.
Travis has been a wonderful support network for me, but I know he has, and is, finding it incredibly difficult. He said to me the other day, it’s like he’s had to learn to fall in love with the new me and that hit me really hard. It must be super difficult when the person you have known for 25 years is changing, evolving and growing into someone else.
I know I have changed as a person. I have had to, to be able to cope. I am less tolerant, I do put myself first more, I want to have alone time, exercise is my drug, I am very mindful about what I eat, I drink far less alcohol, I can’t be relied upon to remember everything like I used to as my brain just isn’t capable of that right now and I do say no more now than I ever have. I could go on but I’m sure you get the picture!
Thankfully we are strong, but it hasn’t been easy. So, we have decided we would like to share what we have learnt, what has and hasn’t worked for us. How the other person feels in certain situations and what we can do to support our partners, as this is not an easy ride for them either. We would love to have guest speakers join us and share their experiences.
Travis says:
The main reason I wanted to do a podcast with Janette is because when she was going through some really difficult times with the menopause, I tried to search for a podcast or an article which could give advice or guidance to me (or partners of people going through menopause) so I could have a better understanding of how I could support her. I was at a loss as what to do for the best. I couldn’t find anything. So, when Janette came up with the suggestion, I thought it would be a great idea.
It’s almost like I have had to fall in love with her all over again. It’s not been easy, but we are strong and communication is key. We would like to share what has worked and what hasn’t worked for us and if it can help just one person it will be worth it. Also, to let the people who are the support network know they’re not alone either. I’m excited to record our first episode.
Janette Sarginson is the founder Mind, Body & Menopause. If you would like to share your experience on the podcast, please email mindbodyandmenopause@hotmail.com. The International Menopause Society has published a ‘Brain fog in menopause’ White Paper, on World Menopause Day (Tuesday October 18, 2022), and has produced the Patient Information Leaflet to help women to better understand the condition and how it can be managed and treated.
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