Whilst women suffer the menopause, men only admit to a mid-life crisis – that’s the conclusion of a new study into male and female attitudes to middle age.
Whilst women suffer the menopause, men only admit to a mid- life crisis – that’s the conclusion of a new study into male and female attitudes to middle age.
Although one in three men do experience some signs of the menopause such as aches and sleeplessness, two thirds of all men reject even the idea of a male menopause, according to a study carried out by Norwich Union Healthcare. Instead, they blame their symptoms on a mid-life crisis.
But both men and women feel the menopause is the third biggest taboo in society, after death and sex.
A staggering seven and a half million women* have experienced menopausal symptoms themselves. Yet the majority feel they can’t turn to their male partner for support.
Two in five women say their partner isn’t sympathetic towards them. In fact, women would even prefer to share their feelings with their friends and doctor before opening up to their partner.
On the other hand, three in five of the men who have experienced symptoms of the mid-life crisis found their female partner to be sympathetic.
In response to the need to provide both women and their partners with realistic information and advice about the menopause, Norwich Union Healthcare has produced a guide called ‘Managing the Menopause’.
The free guide is designed to provide practical information and advice on how best to survive the common physical and lifestyle changes during the menopause. It also gives details of alternative remedies, diet and exercise and who to contact for advice and guidance.
Dr Doug Wright, of Norwich Union Healthcare, said: “Both for woman and men, experiences of the menopause can vary greatly, yet many feel the quality of their lives will be greatly compromised.
"However for decades it has been proved that life can be as exciting as ever, and continues to be as enjoyable and fulfilling. Our research also highlights the fact that women in particular feel that their partners and family need to be better informed about the menopause.
"We hope this guide is a good resource for women - along with the support of their GP and other support groups - when discussing their experiences with others."
The ‘Managing the Menopause’ survey also reveals:
- Goldie Hawn is most admired by men as a woman who has dealt well with the years during which most women experience the menopause
- Three in five men say their partner’s mood swings were the hardest thing to cope with during the change
- Two in five women and one in three men think women should be given extra time off work during the menopause
To request a free copy of Norwich Union Healthcare’s ‘Managing the Menopause’ guide call Freefone 0800 200 203.
*Source: Office for National Statistics and General Register Office for Scotland
For further media information, contact Anja Kueppers or Matthew Buchanan at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Louise Zucchi at Norwich Union Press Office on 08703 66 68 60
Notes to editors:
- Norwich Union Healthcare commissioned Brand and Issues to conduct an independent survey of 250 men and 250 women between the ages of 45-70. The survey was carried out in May 2001.
- Norwich Union Healthcare was founded in 1990 as the healthcare arm of Norwich Union and now provides a range of income protection and private medical insurance products to around 675,000 customers. It is one of the largest providers of income protection and private medical insurance in the UK.
- Norwich Union’s news releases are available on this intenet site
- A selection of images are available from the CGNU Newscast site at www.newscast.co.uk
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