ABOUT THIS RESEARCH
Why Menopause Research?
About Men’s Experiences & Perspectives on Menopause Project
Menopause is often treated as a private or individual health experience, yet its effects extend well beyond the person experiencing physical symptoms. Relationships, families, and workplaces are all shaped by how menopause is understood, discussed, and supported, or ignored.
Men’s Health Network, sponsored by Astellas, launched the Men’s Experiences & Perspectives on Menopause research project to better understand how men perceive, experience, and navigate menopause within their intimate relationships and daily lives. While menopause is a universal transition for women, men are frequently left out of education, resources, and conversations, despite playing a meaningful role in emotional support, household dynamics, treatment decisions, and overall quality of life.
With an estimated 2 million women in the U.S. reaching menopause each year, and a projected 1.2 billion menopausal and postmenopausal women globally by 2030, understanding men’s perspectives is essential to building stronger relationships and healthier families.
This project reflects Men’s Health Network’s belief that health is relational, and that empathy, education, and communication can significantly improve outcomes for everyone involved.
Why Men’s Perspectives Matter
Menopause does not occur in isolation. Women experience menopause within relationships, social environments, and workplaces where partners and peers influence daily stress levels, treatment decisions, and emotional well-being. Before this research, men’s roles in menopause were largely anecdotal, understudied, or framed narrowly around awareness rather than lived experience. Many men expressed a desire to be supportive but lacked the language, knowledge, and tools to do so effectively.
By centering men’s voices, this project acknowledges:
- The emotional and relational impact menopause has on male partners
- The strain and growth men experience while adapting to changing dynamics
- The need for practical, empathy-driven guidance rather than clinical instruction alone
- The opportunity to strengthen partnerships through shared understanding
Understanding how men experience menopause is not about shifting focus away from women;
it is about improving support systems around them.
Building and expanding relationships and improving normal, relational dialectics.
Research & Design Approach
Men’s Health Network conducted a qualitative research study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with men aged 40–70 who were in committed, cohabitating relationships with women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
This approach allowed participants to speak candidly about challenges that are often unspoken, revealing both the strain menopause can place on relationships and the opportunities for deeper connection when couples navigate it together.
The research explored:
- Emotional responses and personal coping strategies
- Changes in communication, intimacy, and household roles
- Men’s awareness of menopause symptoms and treatment options
- How men support their partners at home, in healthcare settings, and at work
- Information gaps, learning preferences, and unmet educational needs
From Research to Education & Action
Men consistently expressed a strong desire to understand what their partners are experiencing during menopause, but many felt uncertain about how to offer support in meaningful and appropriate ways.
Existing information is often not designed for men, leaving them without clear, practical guidance they can confidently apply.
The findings from this project are guiding Men’s Health Network’s development of male-inclusive educational resources that support:
- Clearer, healthier communication between partners
- Greater empathy and emotional awareness
- Practical, everyday support strategies
- Thoughtful involvement in healthcare conversations
- A shared understanding of menopause as a relationship experience
These resources aim to strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and foster more supportive environments at home and beyond.
More About: Men's Health Network
Mission
Mission
Mission
Men’s Health Network’s (MHN) mission is to reach men, boys, and their local networks where they live, work, play, and pray with health awareness, preventative and proactive health messaging, screening programs, educational literature, advocacy, patient navigation, and more.
Vision
Mission
Mission
The Men’s Health Network's Vision is to reduce the Lifespan Gender Gap by advocating for increased education, funding, and community awareness around health issues men and boys face.
MHN aims to foster supportive environments that engage men through comradery to prioritize their health, seek help when needed, and address the root causes of premature male mortality.
Values
Mission
Values
- Closing the Lifespan Gender Gap
- Advocacy & Funding
- Public Awareness & Community Initiatives
- Collaboration
5. Reaching Men in Their Daily Lives
Education & Research
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