5 Menopause Myths Debunked

It’s Not All Hot Flashes and Gone Forever

Menopause. The word itself can conjure up images of hot flashes, mood swings, and even the end of a woman’s spark. But the truth is, menopause is a natural transition, not a disease. Lots of misinformation is floating around about this important stage in a woman’s life. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths and shed light on what menopause is truly about.

Myth #1: Menopause Can Last Years

Reality: Actually ‘Menopause’ literally happens overnight, it is classed as the day when you have not had a period for 12 months. However, Perimenopause (the period leading up to menopause) is a gradual process. It can last anything from a couple of years to 10 years plus. There are more than 34 symptoms, some women will hardly notice, but they will completely debilitate others. The period after menopause is called post-menopause.

Myth #2: You’ll Be Unbearably Hot All the Time

Reality: Hot flashes are a common symptom, but they don’t affect everyone and can be mild or severe. It was about 5 years into perimenopause before I had my first hot flash. There are ways to manage them through lifestyle changes like dressing in layers and using cooling products. And I found that HRT was fantastic for these kinds of symptoms!

Myth #3: Menopause Causes Memory Loss

Reality: While some women may experience occasional forgetfulness or “brain fog” during perimenopause, this is not the same as memory loss. Age-related changes in the brain can contribute to some forgetfulness, but these can be independent of menopause itself. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with good sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet can help with cognitive function throughout life. There’s also no evidence that menopause increases the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Myth #4: Menopause Means You Can’t Get Pregnant

Reality: Once you haven’t had a period for a full year, you’re considered postmenopausal and can’t get pregnant naturally. However, it is important to remember that ovulation will still occur during perimenopause, so continued contraception might be necessary.

Myth #5: There’s Nothing You Can Do About Menopause Symptoms

Reality: Many treatment options are available to help manage menopause symptoms. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle modifications, or alternative therapies that might be right for you. I wrote about the types of HRT here and vitamins and supplements, I found that helped me.

Embrace the Change, Myths Debunked

Menopause is a natural part of life. However, this does not mean you have to accept symptoms and live in silence. With the right information and support, it can be a time of empowerment and positive change. Remember, you’re not alone! I want to encourage open conversations and challenge misconceptions.

If you are currently experiencing symptoms, please talk to your doctor. Connect with other perimenopausal women, and let’s embrace this new chapter with knowledge and confidence.

Fay x