Menopause is a fact of life for people who menstruate – periods need to stop eventually! So why don’t we talk about menopause more often? Even when we do talk about it, there seem to be a lot of misconceptions and myths. It’s time to bust them wide open!
1. Menopause symptoms are mostly hot flashes and mood swings
Though it may be true that hot flashes and mood swings are common symptoms of menopause, it is so much more than that! In fact, comprehensive lists of menopausal symptoms have over 100 different symptoms!
2. Menopausal symptoms are unpreventable and a fact of life for all women
Some women have their periods stop without experiencing any symptoms at all! But even if you’re not one of those lucky people, there are things you can do to help this transitional time in your life to be more manageable. Talk to your naturopathic doctor to find out what you can do!
3. During perimenopause, your periods always get lighter and farther apart
Though this may be true that eventually your periods become lighter and farther apart, it often doesn’t start that way. Many women find that when menopause begins, it’s actually the exact opposite of this. Periods can become more frequent and heavier before they eventually peter out.
4. The only mood changes that happen during menopause are irritability and mood swings
This is one of the most important myths for us to clarify. Yes, it’s true that irritability, anger, and mood swings are all potential symptoms of menopause. But anxiety and depression are part of what can happen during menopause, too. Instead of thinking of a menopausal woman as “cranky and short-tempered”, keep in mind that they may be going through anxiety and depression. Check up on menopausal women, and ensure they have the mental health support they often need at this time.
5. Menopause only happens after age 50
The most common age for menopause to happen is 50, but there is a lot of variance with this. In fact, some women can even go into menopause in their 30’s!
6. A hysterectomy always causes menopause
If you have a total hysterectomy, it is true that you will enter menopause post-surgery. But if your ovaries are not removed, then this isn’t the case. You would go through menopause naturally, and this could happen many years after your hysterectomy.
7. An IUD can cause you to skip over menopause
IUD’s have no impact on when you will go through menopause. What they can do, however, is help to manage some of the bleeding symptoms that can occur along with menopause.
8. Menopause marks the end of a woman’s sex life
Absolutely not! Women can have healthy sex lives well beyond menopause! Some symptoms of declining estrogen levels, such as lower libido and vaginal dryness, may make intercourse more difficult. However, there are natural options that can help to manage these symptoms to make intercourse more pleasurable for you. Be sure to speak to a naturopathic doctor if you would like to explore more of these options.
9. Menopause lasts a couple of years
It’s usually much longer than this. In fact, menopausal symptoms can begin up to 10 years before your periods actually stop!
10. Men go through menopause too
Nope. You may have heard of “andropause” or “manopause”, which refer to when testosterone levels decline in men. However, this testosterone decline happens very slowly, over several years. In menopause, the hormonal fluctuations are more drastic and happen much more quickly. This is why menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms.
We hope this helped to clear up some of the common myths out there about menopause. If you have any further questions about menopause or women’s health, reach out to our naturopathic doctor and book an appointment today!
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