Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marked by hormonal changes that bring about a range of physical and emotional transformations.
Unfortunately, misconceptions and myths surrounding menopause persist, contributing to misinformation and uncertainty.
Debunking Menopause Myths
To debunk common menopause myths, offering accurate information to empower women navigating this significant life stage.
Myth #1: When menopause starts, so do the symptoms.
Contrary to popular belief, menopausal symptoms typically begin during perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause.
Perimenopause involves:
Changing levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Resulting in symptoms such as hot flashes.
Night sweats.
Irregular periods.
This phase can last from one to several years before menopause officially begins.
Myth #2: Your periods will stop.
Menopause does not entail an abrupt cessation of periods. Instead, women often experience changes in their menstrual cycles, including flow, duration, and regularity variations.
Only around 10% of women stop menstruating entirely without any prior irregularities.
Myth #3: You only have to deal with hot flashes.
While hot flashes are common, menopause encompasses a broader range of experiences. Other symptoms include night sweats, sleep disturbances, headaches, bloating, erratic periods, and changes in libido.
Emotional aspects like forgetfulness, feeling “fuzzy,” and signs of depression or anxiety may also arise.
Myth #4: It will do a number on your sex drive.
Research suggests that menopause itself does not universally diminish sexual desire. Healthy, non smoking menopausal women with partners have reported no change in sexual satisfaction, frequency of intercourse, or difficulties reaching orgasm.
Factors like relationship satisfaction, attitudes toward sex and aging, and cultural background play a more significant role.
Myth #5: It must be treated.
Menopause is a natural life process, not a disease requiring treatment.
Treatment approaches focus on alleviating symptoms and managing concurrent health conditions associated with aging. Some women may not require any treatment during this phase.
Myth #6: You can’t get pregnant during menopause.
Pregnancy remains a possibility during perimenopause when menstrual cycles become irregular.
Women should be cautious and consider contraceptive methods until they have experienced one full year without a period.
Myth #7: The risks of taking hormones outweigh the benefits.
Hormone therapy for menopause has seen varied reports over the years.
While there are risks associated with prolonged hormone use, many women find that the benefits, such as relief from symptoms, outweigh the potential risks.
Decisions regarding hormone therapy should be individualized and made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Myth #8: You have to suffer through the symptoms.
There are numerous avenues for managing menopausal symptoms, catering to the diverse experiences of women. From lifestyle changes and herbal supplements to yoga, meditation, and hormone replacement therapy, options abound.
Finding the most effective approach may involve trial and error, emphasizing the importance of open communication with healthcare providers.
Read more: Winter COVID-19 Spike Threatens Holiday Plans
Navigating Menopause with Accurate Information
Understanding the realities of menopause empowers women to navigate this transformative phase with accurate information.
By dispelling common myths, women can make informed decisions about their health and well-being during menopause, ensuring a smoother journey through this natural transition.
Read more: Additional Four Free COVID-19 Tests Allocated Per Household For Holiday Preparations
