Menopause Myths: Busting Common Misconceptions

Fact: If menopause were a switch, it'd be, um, more like a dimmer, gradually transitioning you through all the stages. It doesn't just all of a sudden turn on and off, as most people probably think. The reality is that menopause happens really slowly and gradually—well, your body transitions through many changes, starting with perimenopause. That can start years in advance of when periods finally stop. You can feel symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings (to name only a couple) then, but they don't get to strike all at once.

Whereas every woman's passage from perimenopause to menopause is different, some may have mild symptoms, while others are met with more immutable changes. The important thing to realise is that menopause is gradual, giving one time to adapt and manage it as an event in life. 

Fact: Think menopause is the end of any hanky panky? Think again! While it's true hormonal changes during menopause might change one's libido (it did mine), it doesn’t mean that sex should end for you. In fact, at this stage in life many find they feel more liberated in the bedroom. Having no worries about getting pregnant and a bit more time to focus on fulfilling your own needs, intimacy can take on a whole new meaning.

While menopause may manifest in physical changes—such as vaginal dryness or discomfort during sexual intercourse—this is usually a problem that can be fixed with lubrication, moisturisers, or hormone therapy; close communication with your partner in regard to your needs and feelings can contribute to a meaningful sexual relationship. Menopause might be just a signal for the beginning of new chapters in your sex life.

Fact: Do you feel you're just supposed to "suck it up?" Not at all! There are plenty of ways to combat menopause symptoms, which means you don't have to "suffer in silence." From lifestyle changes like eating healthier and exercising to medical treatments, there is help available for you. Regular exercise can reduce hot flushes, improve mood, and maintain a healthy weight. Balanced eating contributes to strong bones by providing calcium, vitamin D, and many other nutrients required for general health. Participating in stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation, will also undoubtedly help and improve sleeping patterns. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) is another approach through which symptoms can be reduced—these include hot flashes and vaginal dryness—but risks and benefits should be discussed with the healthcare provider.

Remember, you do not need to handle everything by yourself. Support groups and counsellors are there not only to offer emotional help but also give practical advice. Menopause is a journey you do not have to take alone.

Fact: Oh, if it were only that easy! Menopause doesn't only change your periods. It is a whole-body experience that can change everything from bones to brain. Think of it as a whole-body software update—not just a reproductive system reboot, and we know how some of those computer upgrades go ☹️

Other than the end of your periods, menopause can impact your bone integrity to increase the risk for osteoporosis. Hormonal changes can also impact heart health by adding to a higher chance for heart disease. On a mental level, some women have reported memory lapses or lack of concentration, sometimes called "brain fog." Mood changes, like increased anxiety or depression, are other symptoms. As are itchy skin, tinnitus, frozen shoulder, changes in body odour…there are SO many.

Understanding the widespread effects of menopause will, therefore, prepare you better to take control of your health through regular checkups, good diets, and frequent exercises. Menopause is not just about missing one's periods; it is about taking some extra care during this transition period of your life, and being kind to yourself.

Fact: Menopause in every woman is unique, it’s like our DNA. Just like no two women are alike, so too no two menopause experiences are alike. Comparing your journey to someone else's is comparing apples to oranges. Embrace YOU and your uniqueness.

While some women may sail through menopause with a minimum of discomfort, others might find the symptoms more challenging. It can be affected by genetics, lifestyle, and the state of your general health. For instance, a woman who has been a heavy smoker all her life might have worse symptoms than a non-smoker. In the same way, women who are more physically active tend to have fewer problems with weight gain or swings in moods. These are just generalisations though, so again, don’t compare yourself.

Listen to your body, and try to find what works for you. No one approach works for every woman when it comes to menopause, so be open to experimentation. That may mean trying new forms of exercise, dietary changes, medication or alternative therapies; how you go through menopause is yours alone to deal with, so most importantly, find a path that makes you feel good about yourself.

Fact: You can inherit your mum's eyes or sense of humour, but not necessarily her menopause. Your experience could be a different kettle of fish altogether. We thought our mum was simply in a bad mood for years. Remember, you're the star of your own menopause movie, and yours doesn't have to look anything like anyone else's. While they think genetics can influence the timing of menopause and the way it progresses, there are other factors at play in determining its course, such as your lifestyle, stress levels, and general health. Just because your mum had a rough time during her menopause doesn't mean you will. And if she sailed through hers with few problems, that doesn't mean you won't hit a few bumps. Knowing your family history may be useful, but do remember that your own health and well-being are equally important. Regular check-ups, a good diet, and an active life will help in passing through this menopausal phase more easily. And if yours is different from your mum's, that’s ok. Every woman's experience of the menopause is as different as she is.

Fact: Menopause is the end of youth. Nah—like, it's the start of no-filter-needed times! It isn't a time that heralds the ending of youth but one of gaining freedom and giving fewer f’s, completely embracing who you are.

Instead of being an ending, per se, menopause is really a beginning. It's often at this stage that women feel more confident and sure of themselves in life than ever before. Now, with years' worth of wisdom firmly seated in you, you will be more capable of focusing your central energy on what matters the most to you, free from fears of societal pressures and expectations.

While many women can appreciate that, it's at this period when they will finally have a lot more time and strength for learning new things, travelling, or even starting new careers. It's a time for self-definition by which you will define your youth on your very terms. Have a celebration of freedom and possibilities, and wearing more white!

Fact: Think life after menopause is all downhill? Think again. It's more like reaching a plateau with a view. So many women report feeling the most liberated and empowered in their lives. This is not the ending; it's a whole new beginning to look out for. Postmenopause can bring up a time period of utmost personal growth and fulfilment. As one is not constantly going through a month-to-month cycle, many women find their energy levels are stable, thus focusing on new goals and passions. This might involve deepening relationships, new interests to follow, or simply enjoying the freedom of this stage of life. This may also be the turning point when many women begin to look more seriously at their health and well-being and adopt healthy lifestyle changes that improve the quality of life. From eating better to staying active, your time belongs to you, so do what feels right for you.