Menopause Myths v Facts

October is ‘Menopause Month’. Now, I wouldn’t say it’s a month for celebrating the female biological change, but its definitely an opportunity to bring awareness to the symptoms and challenges faced by women, as well as the ways in which those around them can support and work with those going through it.

Many, women included, aren’t fully informed on this particular period of a woman’s life until they’re even in the throws of it themselves, or close to someone who is. 

I wanted to clear up some ‘Menopause Myths’ for us all because it can be a daunting task to be faced with, so the more informed we can be, the better.

Myths v Facts

Myth: Menopause begins at 50

Here are the facts: 

While the average age for menopause is 51-52, it can start as early as your late 30s or as late as your 60s. Perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, can last anywhere between a few months and 10 years.

Myth: Weight gain is inevitable in menopause

Here are the facts: 

Hormonal changes during menopause may shift fat storage, especially around the waist, hips and thighs, but weight gain isn’t guaranteed. Healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and good nutrition can help maintain a healthy weight and body composition.

Myth: Menopause will give you weak bones  

Here are the facts: 

While the loss of bone density is common during menopause, it doesn’t have to lead to weak bones. Proper nutrition, regular bone-strengthening exercises, and stress management can prevent excessive bone density loss.

Myth: Menopause wrecks your sex life  

Here are the facts: 

A healthy sex life is possible at any age. Hormonal changes may lower libido or cause vaginal dryness, but addressing these issues through herbal remedies, hormone balancing, or topical treatments can improve sexual health.

Myth: Hot flashes are the first sign of menopause

Here are the facts:

Hot flashes aren’t the only initial sign of menopause. Other symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, irritability, joint pain, brain fog, and mood swings can appear first, and the range and severity of these symptoms vary greatly.

Myth: After menopause, your body stops producing hormones

Here are the facts:

Even after menopause, the body still produces hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, just at lower levels. These hormones continue to play a role in your overall health.

Myth: The older you are when you get your period, the older you’ll be when you start menopause

Here are the facts:

Women who start menstruating later may actually enter menopause earlier. The age of menopause can also be influenced by genetics, lifestyle, pregnancies, and habits like smoking or alcohol consumption.

Myth: Menopause only causes physical symptoms

Here are the facts:

Menopause affects both the body and the mind. Hormonal shifts can cause mood swings, memory problems, anxiety and depression, in addition to physical symptoms like hot flashes, joint discomfort and weight changes.

Myth: There’s no difference between natural and surgical menopause

Here are the facts:

Natural menopause is gradual, while surgical menopause, caused by a hysterectomy, results in sudden hormonal changes. The symptoms can be more severe with surgical menopause.

Myth: The only way to manage menopause is through hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Here are the facts:

Hormone replacement therapy is one option, but it’s not the only way to manage symptoms. Natural approaches like herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments can also be effective in managing unwanted symptoms.

Myth: Menopausal symptoms are inevitable

Here are the facts:

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and many treatments are available, from hormone therapy to non-hormonal options and lifestyle changes. You don’t have to suffer through symptoms without support.

Many of my clients have been struggling with menopause and/or perimenopause and we’ve tackled the issues together, helping them to feel more like themselves again and less panicked by the reality of it.

If you are, or are about to reach this milestone, and would like some support through it, get in touch, I’d love to help you.

You can email me using: sandradumaswellness@gmail.com

Or direct message me on my social platforms: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Let me know if you’ve heard any more ‘Menopause Myths’ and I’ll do my best to debunk them!