There is no escaping menopause. Every woman will experience this life-changing event, with varying degrees of disruption to our lives. For many, they attribute menopause to the disintegration of their marriage. Listen in as nurse practitioner Laura Chastain discusses the effects of perimenopause and menopause on our bodies and relationships, and shares tips on how to communicate with your spouse and manage your symptoms.

Menopause can significantly impact relationships due to hormonal fluctuations causing mood swings, irritability, and changes in libido, leading to emotional strain, reduced intimacy, and potentially leading to marital breakdown. A survey found that 73% of women blamed menopause for their marriage breakdown, and 67% claimed it led to increased arguments and instances of domestic abuse. Yet societal attitudes toward menopause are negative and stigmatized, leading some women to not discuss it or seek help for symptoms. Laura Chastain, a nurse practitioner with OptimizeU discusses:

• The signs and symptoms for entering perimenopause and menopause and expected duration.

• Treatment options and the type of professional who can help with hormone therapy.

• How to initiate conversation with your male partner and what topics to cover.

• How to discuss menopause with teenage children in the home.

• When emotions are not rational and when it's time to seek help.

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Produced by: Whitfield Media Group, Chattanooga, TN

Editing by: Tyler Owens

Email: ⁠silverdivorcepodcast@gmail.com⁠

Facebook & Instagram @silverdivorcepodcast

Title Sponsor: Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics ⁠www.sportmed.com⁠

Show Sponsor: Medicare Misty ⁠www.medicaremisty.com⁠

About your guest: Laura Chastain is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner of over 25 years and a Certified Menopause Practitioner. She is VP of Clinical Services at Optimize U and continues to see patients as a Nurse Practitioner. Her background consists of various roles in healthcare including Sales and Consulting, Clinical Education, and clinical practice in the fields of Nephrology and Women's Health. Contact her at: @laura.chastain.np-instagram @optimizeuchatt @optimizeucleveland @optimizedhealthnow

About your host: I’m Lisa McCluskey, MBA, a retired healthcare executive turned podcaster after being blindsided when my 34-year marriage ended. I interview experts on the Silver Divorce Podcast to help people through the traumatic divorce journey.

This podcast provides education and information and is not intended to replace the advice of a therapist or legal advice.

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