Top 10 Myths About Menopause Debunked

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause, a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. Despite what you may have heard, menopause is not a disease and it does not mean that your life is over. In fact, many women find that menopause is a time of transformation and growth.

If you’re currently experiencing menopause or are approaching menopause, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about menopause so that you can better understand and manage this natural transition.

Myth: Menopause is a disease that needs to be treated.
Fact: Menopause is a natural biological process, not a disease.

Myth: Menopause is caused by a lack of estrogen.
Fact: Menopause is not caused by a lack of estrogen.

Myth: It Makes You Forgetful
Fact: It’s true that perimenopause, the period before menopause, may make you feel a little foggy. Memory loss, however, is not a side effect of menopause. Any memory issues you may experience are most likely brought on by your aging brain.

Myth: It Begins Once Periods Stop
Fact: As long as your period hasn’t come for a year straight, you aren’t technically in menopause. During perimenopause, it’s likely that you’ll first experience a period of irregularity. For up to 8 years, that is possible.

Myth: It Makes You Irritable
Fact: The menopause itself has no effect on mood. However, some of the signs, like hot flashes and night sweats, can interfere with your ability to sleep. Your mood may worsen as a result throughout the day.

Myth: You Need to Take Hormones
Fact: You have a variety of options for treating menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT has advantages and disadvantages. To determine if it’s appropriate for you, consult your doctor. If not, lubes for the vaginal area, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and dietary and lifestyle changes like regular exercise may help to reduce symptoms.

Myth: It Leads to Weight Gain
Fact: It might be more likely for any extra weight to accumulate around your midsection due to declining estrogen levels. However, weight gain after menopause is not a given. It frequently happens as you age because your metabolism slows down. You’ll gain weight if you continue to eat as much as you always have and don’t exercise more. The response? Move more and eat less. Increase your metabolism and muscle mass by doing strength training.

Myth: It Only Occurs After The Age 40.
Fact: Menopause can occur as early as your 30s, but it’s most common between the ages of 45 and 55. Menopause can be brought on by specific procedures, illnesses, or medications. Genes may play a role. There are times when there is no known cause. In the US, about 5% of women reach menopause before age 45 and 1% before age 40.

Myth: You Can’t Get Pregnant
Fact: When you first stop getting your period, your fertility doesn’t necessarily disappear. It is true that after the age of 45, even if you are still having periods, you have a much lower chance of becoming pregnant. But for some women, it’s still a possibility. Doctors advise using birth control up until you’ve gone a full year without having a period to be on the safe side.

Don’t let menopause stop you from being your true self! Let yourself go through the process, let yourself grow. Don’t let anything stop you from being a positive influence around you!

WebMD. (n.d.). Common menopause myths debunked. WebMD. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/menopause/ss/slideshow-menopause-myths