Menopause for Men: What to Do When Your Partner Changes (Brain Fog, Rage, Sex, Sleep)

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Anderson for an honest, warm, and often laugh-out-loud conversation about what it's really like to support a partner through perimenopause — from the male perspective. Sam, a lecturer, menopause champion, and author of The A to Z Guide for Us Idiots, shares how his partner's experience with brain fog sent him on a journey of training, learning, and ultimately writing one of the first books on perimenopause written by a man, for men.Together, we unpack why communication is the single most powerful tool a man can have, why so many men make it about themselves when it really isn't, and how showing up without trying to fix everything can completely transform a relationship during this stage of life.We explore the dynamics of male menopause support groups, where intimacy and sex dominate the conversation, and why the men who communicate openly with their partners fare so much better than those who don't. We also talk about the importance of early education, the growing menopause market, and the very real problem of misinformation — from Instagram influencers to menopause-branded chocolate bars.And yes — there's a blooper moment tucked in there too, because even the most important conversations come with a little real life thrown in.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:16 Sam's Personal Journey into Perimenopause Awareness 02:22 Becoming One of Scotland's First Male Menopause Champions 06:59 Writing The A to Z Guide for Us Idiots 09:01 Self-Publishing and Finding the Right Title 12:03 Sex, Intimacy, and Staying Close When Everything Feels Different 13:50 Support: Showing Up Without Acting Like a Hero 17:38 Inside Male Menopause Support Groups 20:13 Communication as the Key to Getting Through It Together25:15 Hormonal Decline in Men — and Why Nobody Wants to Talk About It 27:17 What Should Have Been Taught Earlier — Education and Awareness 29:49 Menopause in the Classroom and the Workplace 31:22 The Menopause Market, Misinformation, and Menowashing 36:13 The 10 Do's and Don'ts Every Partner Needs to Read 41:19 Sam's Next Projects — Including a Children's Book Series 45:08 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Sam's BookConnect with Sam:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-anderson-822480a9/Meet your host Lauren ChirenLauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.About Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them.Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/Connect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren