7 Common Misconceptions About Menopause

Myth 1: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s

Menopause occurs only when women reach the age of 50, correct? Wrong. The point is there are women who enter the stage earlier and some later than this number. 

Moreover, one must know that perimenopause is the stage preceding menopause, and a woman can experience it in the late 30s and early 40s. This period can last many years and presents perimenopause symptoms that may include irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings. And yes, menopause itself may occur from age 40 to 50.

Read the following article to get a better idea of these terms: Understanding Premenopause, Perimenopause, and Menopause.

There is another group of women who have experienced menopause as early as the age of forty years. The causes of early menopause could be due to genes, certain forms of treatment like chemotherapy, and some health conditions, e.g., autoimmune diseases.

Why is this important? Knowing the risk of early menopause helps to plan for changes in the body and health. It’s also worth talking to the doctor about early menopause because it probably increases the chances of getting osteoporosis and heart disease.

Log your periods and consult with your physician if you notice symptoms that appear suddenly. Knowledge and preparation can significantly improve your condition. 

Myth 2: Menopause Means You’re Old And Past Your Prime

Menopause simply marks the cessation of a woman’s active reproductive age but does not confine a woman to a single dimension of liveliness. 

Most women consider this stage a new beginning: no monthly cycles, no worry about getting pregnant, and a new outlook on life. Many use this time to work on themselves, nurturing their hobbies or professions or even cultivating some wanderlust solo. 

History also indicates that many women live through cool times after their periods cease. Many influential women reach their apex of creativity at this stage of existence. This indicates that irrespective of one’s hormonal status; she can remain vibrant and full of passion. 

So think again: What is it that I had always looked forward to but could not pursue since I was busy back then? This could be the best time of your life.

Myth 3: Menopause Only Causes Hot Flashes

Although the saying “turning up the heat” rings a bell, it isn’t the only thing related to menopause. Did you know there are a whole plethora of symptoms that accompany it? And the funny thing is that these symptoms are not universal. What you may experience may not be the case with your friends.

Some of the women might report experiencing troubled sleep, memory loss, dry vagina or may even have memory lapses. On the other hand, Some do not report experiencing any symptoms at all, which is interesting since every woman has a unique experience during this transition period.

Let’s review in simpler terms:

• Physical symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and joint pain. These tend to vary in severity and occurrence.
• Emotional symptoms might involve mood swings, worry, or depression. These symptoms manifest as psychological reactions to the condition.
• Cognitive symptoms can stem from difficulty in concentration or forgetfulness, which is sometimes called “brain fog.”

Did you or someone you know experience symptoms of menopause that came without expecting them? Go on and share your thoughts with others, too. You have company, and your experience may be beneficial to someone else.

Myth 4: Menopause Is The Same For Every Woman

Here is a brief scenario: Two friends of the same age reach the stage of menopause at the same time. Only there is a huge difference as to how they go through it. One of them claims that it was barely a symptom, while the other claims to have anxiety and insomnia. The reason for this is that menopause is a highly individual and personal experience.

Factors such as culture, lifestyle, health wellness, and family history play a role in how women experience menopause. A woman who lives her life with wellness in mind will have an easier time coping with menopause than someone who is always stressed out or dealing with an illness. 

As stated earlier, there is no standard or normal when it comes to experiencing menopause. Remember, your body speaks volumes; don’t try to compare your symptoms with that of the other women. 

How do you approach and address your individual specific healthcare requirements? If you’re not sure, it’s never too late to start. Small changes, like eating more nutrient-rich foods or practising mindfulness, can make a big difference.

Myth 5: You Can’t Get Pregnant After Menopause

This is a tricky one. Yes, we will all agree that fertility declines after menopause. But the chances of getting pregnant while still in the pre-menopause stage are very slim, but not impossible. This is because even if your cycle is not regular, you may sometimes release eggs.

As mentioned, use some form of birth control protection until you have completed a full calendar year without having any periods. There can be very few cases in which you can find people getting pregnant while in their perimenopause stage.

Ponder this for a moment; if you are in the perimenopausal stage and don’t wish to get pregnant, don’t assume you are off the hook with contraception. It is always better to be safe.

Myth 6: Hormone Replacement Therapy (Hrt) Is Dangerous For Everyone

Have people educated you about the use of HRT and how it is bad for one’s health? The fear of HRT is warranted, but for women who have severe hot flashes, night sweats or bone loss, it is an extremely good therapy.

HRT must be used on an individualised basis. The doctor will consider your profile, including your past medical history, risk factors, and the condition to be addressed, and then suggest HRT. For many women, generally, the benefits outweigh the risks.

There are also various types of HRT, such as estrogen-only or combination therapies. Some are delivered through pills, patches, or creams, making it easier to find what works for you.

Myth 7: Menopause Is Just About Physical Symptoms

Again, let us explore the psychological side of the change further. For some women, the physical changes might lead to some feelings of anxiety, sadness or simply a sense of losing something. Yes, it is quite justifiable, although it should be managed accordingly.

You might want to try discussing it with your family and friends, joining support group meetings, or engaging in social activities. At this stage, it is just as vital to ensure that a person is physically and emotionally healthy.

This transition does not have to be rigid. You can lean on your family, friends, and even a therapist to ease it.

Menopause: A Time For Growth

The Entire concept of undergoing the process of menopause can get a little difficult. Still, with the right set of skills and knowledge, one can overpower the emotions and challenges associated with this. So here are a bit of recommendations for all the women there to help them manage menopause symptoms and even celebrate the menopausal phase:

a) Stay Active: Research found positive effects of exercise on physical and psychological effects in women with menopausal symptoms. Activities can help prevent mood swings and fight possible weight gain that can stem from the transition process. Even a daily walk can work wonders for people going through the process.

b) Eat Well: Maintaining a diet containing a healthy amount of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients will ensure that bones remain strong and healthy and that you maintain overall health and wellness.

c) Rest Well: Prepare for bedtime by avoiding caffeine and other disruptive activities that might hinder your sleep quality. Quality rest and sleep can improve your thoughts, mood and physical and mental wellness.

d) Talk to Friends: Find people with similar experiences and talk to them. It can be reassuring to talk to someone who understands what you are going through.

e) Seek Professional Help: Do not hesitate to seek help from medical professionals. They can suggest specific ways to control your unique symptoms.

If your menopausal symptoms become severe or you are unsure how to handle them, it’s time to reach out to specialists for menopause management. Nirva Health is equipped to assist you in managing your menopause with ease. 

Nirva’s caregivers craft custom plans based on a woman’s unique needs during menopause and the support she requires. 

This is what our happy customer says after consultation and treatment from Nirva Health.

Wrapping It Up

Menopause is a process every woman has to go through, which is full of advantages but at the same time presents challenges. It is essential to shine a light on myths and to have a better understanding of facts surrounding the topic as it would help engage oneself in this process more confidently and positively. It is not only about going through every symptom. It is about being able to live and enjoy life despite the symptoms. Always remember that no two people experience menopause in the same manner; there is no right or wrong.

This new chapter in your life should be valued. It should be seen as one filled with opportunities to reconnect with friends, engage in self-care, or take part in hobbies that you used to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to seek help during this phase, and ask questions that may have been on your mind.

The postmenopausal phase of life is filled with joy, passion, and adventure, and what better way to start than with a new, fresh mindset?