The Top Five Menopause Myths

Myth #1: Menopause begins at 50.
Menopause begins at 50…or at 42…or 36…or 56. It really is different for every woman. The average woman begins menopause at 51, but you may start your transition anywhere from your 30’s to your 50’s. Menopause is technically defined as the absence of a menstruation for a period of one year. Women sometimes say they didn’t know they could start having symptoms many months before the onset of menopause.

Myth #2: Weight gain is inevitable in menopause.
Weight-gain is an absolute in menopause but you don’t have to allow it! Weight-gain becomes more complex during menopause, that may be true and is no longer simply “calories in, calories out.” As you transition into peri-menopause and menopause, your body may respond by storing fat, especially around the waist. However, despite these changes taking place in your body, you can still achieve a healthy weight with an appropriate diet and consistent exercise.

Myth #3: Sex drive will be painful with menopause.
Sex can be enjoyable and healthy at any age!  But there’s a false belief that painful sex is a “normal” part of aging.  Painful sex is often a sign of hormonal imbalance, which can cause both physical and emotional symptoms that have an effect on your sex life. This does not have to happen as it can greatly affects the intimacy of the relationship.

Myth #4: The first sign of menopause is hot flashes.
Sometimes, hot flashes are a part of menopause. Despite the fact that menopause and hot flashes are almost synonymous in the media, your first sign of menopause could be any of these symptoms:
– Fatigue
– Irregular periods
– Irritability or mood swings
– Depression or anxiety
– Weight gain
– Hair loss
– Cravings
– Fuzzy thinking or forgetfulness
– Low libido
– Heavy menses

Myth #5: Menopause only causes physical symptoms.
Menopause can leave you feeling down or depressed. Or you may feel more irritable and anxious. Many women experience unnerving changes in their emotions, memory, and concentration during peri-menopause and menopause due to sudden shifts in hormones. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels may cause mood swings, increased irritability, and moodiness

Remember that menopause is a developmental milestone in women’s life. Many women begin to reflect on who they are and what they want to do with the rest of their life. Learn more about how to cope effectively with physical and emotional symptoms of menopause by talking to your doctor at The Woman’s Group.