Perimenopause affects millions of women in the U.S., but it's not just their issue. It's ours too. And if you're a man who loves, lives with, and works alongside women, it's time to pay attention.

Perimenopause is the years-long transition leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormones, sleep disruption, mood swings, anxiety, and physical changes. It can begin as early as a woman's late 30s and last well into her 50s. Yet despite its profound impact, most men know little about it. That silence is costing us. Emotionally, relationally, and culturally.

When men don't understand perimenopause, they misinterpret symptoms. They see mood changes as personal attacks. Fatigue is mistaken for laziness. Intimacy issues become sources of resentment. Relationships suffer not because women are changing, but because men aren't listening and aren’t asking or talking about what’s happening.

This isn't about blame. It's about responsibility. Men don't need to experience perimenopause to care about it. They just need to care about the women who do.

Understanding perimenopause isn't complicated. It starts with curiosity. Read an article. Ask your partner how she's feeling. Attend a doctor's appointment. The more you know, the more you can support not with solutions, but with presence.

Empathy isn't weakness. It's strength. And in this case, it's essential.

Men dominate leadership roles in workplaces, healthcare systems, and government. If they don't understand perimenopause, they can't advocate for policies that support it. Flexible schedules, mental health resources, and inclusive benefits depend on informed decision-makers.

If you're a male leader, ask yourself: Are you creating a workplace where women feel seen and supported during this transition? If not, it's time to start.

Talking about perimenopause shouldn't be taboo. It should be normal. When men engage in these conversations, they help dismantle stigma and build a culture of care. They model emotional intelligence for their sons and daughters. They show that masculinity includes compassion.

Because real strength isn't silence, it's solidarity.

Perimenopause is happening all around us to our partners, our sisters, our coworkers, and our friends. We can't afford to ignore it. Men must step up not as experts, but as allies and advocates.

Because when we care, everyone benefits.

— Jeffrey Lewis is the President and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment and the EMC Health Foundation. The words expressed are his own.