Mythbusting Menopause: The Top 10 Myths (& Realities)
We see you.
You’re a peri- through post-menopausal woman (or you can see it coming!) who doesn’t want the symptoms she’s experiencing or the symptoms she fears to hold her back.
And we’re here to tell you not only does that not have to happen, but menopause can actually be the springboard to your success and set the stage for your best second act!
What Menopause Isn’t: A disease, a disorder, a deficiency, a failure, or THE END.
What Menopause Is: Technically? The end of your menstrual cycles, as defined by the cessation of your period for 12 consecutive months. But in LIFE, it’s the natural hormonal transition every woman experiences at the end of her reproductive years that can be her worst nightmare - hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain, oh my! - or her best friend (no 👏 more 👏 periods 👏).
Which is exactly why we’re here - to steer you away from the stigma and fear and toward the ease, optimism, and vitality you deserve. So settle in as we break down 10 of the most common myths and misconceptions about this midlife milestone!
Myth #1: "Menopause starts at 50." Okay, who's been spreading this one around? Menopause is not a punctual event. It doesn't show up on your 50th birthday like some sort of hormonal grim reaper. In reality, "the change" (sounds ominous, right?) can start to knock on your door as early as your late 30s or early 40s - surprise! This pre-menopause stage is known as perimenopause, and it's when your body begins its very normal and natural shift. Menopause can also be surgically induced by a partial or full removal of the reproductive organs.
Myth #2: "Menopause means you're old." Let’s pump the brakes: since when is reaching a natural stage of biological progression equivalent to receiving an AARP card in the mail? Menopause is not an expiration date, and it certainly doesn't mean you're on a one-way trip to Grannyville. With women living much longer these days, menopause is merely a gateway to potentially half of your adult life. So, let's nix the ageism and look at menopause as a beginning, not an end.
Myth #3: "Menopause equals weight gain." While the decline in the hormones Estrogen and Progesterone during menopause impacts your metabolism and your sensitivity to Insulin, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll gain weight. It’s a possibility, but it’s not a menopausal mandate! And if you’re concerned about or frustrated by weight gain, there are dietary protocols, healthy habits, and nutritional supplementation/Bio-HRT options available to help you sidestep weight gain altogether or shed unwanted pounds.
Myth #4: "Your sex life is over after menopause." Please, someone get us a megaphone. YOUR SEX LIFE DOES NOT END AFTER MENOPAUSE! Yes, some changes can occur - vaginal dryness, anyone? - but with communication, experimentation, and perhaps a little help from personal lubricants or hormonal therapies, you can still keep the home fires burning.
Myth #5: "You can't get pregnant during menopause." Welp . . . until you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period, there's still a chance you could see two lines on that pregnancy test. So, if you're not planning on a menopause miracle baby, you need to have a plan in place.
Myth #6: "Menopause symptoms are the same for everyone." Absolutely not! In reality, menopause - the timing, experience, and the symptoms - is unique to each woman. Some might get the whole shebang while others might just have a period that quietly phases out without a fuss. (And then there's entire the spectrum in between.) Your menopause journey is yours, so set it in your mind and actions that you’re going to make it the best it can be.
Myth #7: “Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (Bio-HRT) is dangerous." Like all treatments, Bio-HRT does come with some risks. However, for many women, it can be a menopausal game changer. Bio-HRT therapy utilizes hormones that are chemically identical to those your body produces, which can make them a more natural option for managing symptoms. In most cases, the potential benefits - like improved mood, better sleep, and reduced hot flashes - significantly outweigh the risks. But here's the key: personalized treatment. Bio-HRT isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and what works wonders for your best friend might not be the best fit for you. So, find a practitioner you trust who is willing to tailor the treatment specific to your needs and circumstances.
Myth #8: "Menopause causes depression/anxiety." It’s true that hormonal shifts can lead to mood shifts. It’s also true that the stress associated with menopause - meaning, the physical stress of what you’re experiencing; the mental/emotional stress of what you’re experiencing; and external stress that’s exacerbated by feeling “dampened down” by your symptoms - can absolutely create feelings of depression and/or anxiety. BUT: 1) it’s not written in stone, so don’t pre-panic; 2) depression and anxiety are multi-factorial so they need to be viewed in the context of what else is happening in your life; and 3) there are a lot of stress management and natural therapies available to combat any overwhelm.
Myth #9: "Men don't go through menopause." Okay: while men don't experience the same kind of menopause as women (no hot flashes or night sweats for them!), they do go through a comparable phase called andropause. During this time, their testosterone levels start to decline which can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, decreased libido, weight gain . . . sounds a bit familiar, doesn’t it?! So, while your partner won’t be joining you in those 2 a.m. hot-flash wake-up calls, he may still be experiencing shifts and symptoms of his own.
Myth #10: "Menopause is a woman's issue." This might be our favorite myth to bust because, drumroll please . . . menopause is a human issue! Yes, it directly affects women, but its impact ripples out to partners, families, friends, and even workplaces. Understanding and supporting women going through menopause is everyone's business. For romantic partners, the more you understand what's happening, the better you can navigate these changes together. And for anyone close to a woman going through menopause, the benefit of understanding it’s a natural part of life can make it less confusing and allow for more compassion and support. So, let's kick this myth to the curb and make menopause a conversation for everyone.
So, there you have it: menopause is not the end of the world, it's just another stage in this wild ride we call life. And hopefully, now - knowing the realities of what menopause can be - you can rewrite the menopause narrative for yourself and glide with energy and ease into your best second act. ❤️
And if you need a little extra love, support, and community, come join our Facebook Group for more “Mythbusting Menopause!”