How do men deal with peri-menopause? Tory Archbold speaks openly with her husband Craig.

In this episode of the Powerful Stories Podcast, Tory speaks with her husband Craig about the peri-menopause journey at home and in the corporate world. Perimenopause is the period of a woman's life shortly before the occurrence of menopause. Craig says ‘I didn’t know what there was a 10–15-year window in which women can start this process.’ We start our conversation talking about hot flushes and we learn that this can actually happen to men as well (true fact). In Tory’s podcast chat with Alison Brahe, she explained why this happens to women. Craig says, ‘I’ve never seen a hot flush before. It’s an awkward position for a male to be in because you don’t know whether or not to point it out.’ Working in a corporate environment Craig works with many women. “A male is not thinking – how many of my team are going through menopause – but if we are made aware, we can lead from the heart”. He suggests that women should share their health and wellbeing journey with male staff as they will appreciate your honesty ‘I think open and frank conversations, in a non-dramatic way, at the right time would be the way to go. One thing the last 12 months has taught us is that we are all incredibly resilient.’ Craig says gone are the days of 9-5 work arrangements. ‘If you don’t have that conversation with your manager, it is hard for them to adapt and change.’ Craig asks Tory if she was scared of the moment menopause would hit her. ‘I think, for a lot of women, you don’t realise it until it hits you.’ I now tell our daughter that ‘your health is your wealth. And I really do wish that I had embraced that earlier in life.’ Craig follows on and sets a challenge for all women ‘Who are you checking in with for your health and wellbeing?  We are here for you if you just ask.’ Our top three tips for going through a transformation as a couple when dealing with perimenopause. ‘Communication for both work and home is paramount.’ Craig says communication also is about ‘timing- there is a time and a place to bring a situation forward. If your (partner) is in a heightened mood your message is not going to get the desired impact.’ ‘Let things cool down – but acknowledge it, but don’t pick a fight in the middle of it’. Tory says, ‘seek advice to balance your hormones' and take time for self-care together. So, sit back and enjoy this couple as they open up the dialogue about peri-menopause and why they both agree communication is the key to a successful transformation.   Links: Sign up to the Powerful Steps #coffeechallenge to gain Tory’s proven formula for building a global network, with three coffee dates a week. It’s how she connected with the guests on this podcast. Each one is an authentic and trusted connection  Powerful Steps Follow @powerfulsteps on Instagram Powerful Steps on LinkedIn Missed the episode with Alison Brahe- Listen here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.