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So you're going through perimenopause? Here's how to discuss it with your partner

- SHELLY HORTON AUTHOR

Perimenopause can be a difficult time. However, talking about it with your significant other can help, and it also means you don't need to struggle in silence. Shelly Horton explains how to start the chat without making it awkward...

Ah, perimenopause, the ultimate curveball life throws at you when you thought you'd already mastered all the tough stuff. And now you've got to explain this hormonal s**t-storm to your partner. Don't worry, let me help. Here's how to talk to your partner about perimenopause without either of you running for the hills.

1 DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Before you sit them down, make sure you've got your facts straight. No, I don't mean memorising scientific journals. I mean knowing enough about what's happening to your body so you can explain it without turning it into a biology lecture. Keep it simple, “My hormones are out of whack, and it’s causing everything from hot flushes to mood swings that I can’t control.” They don’t need to know the exact role of estrogen (though bonus points if they want to!), but they do need to understand that your body is in hormonal chaos.

2 PICK YOUR MOMENT