5 Common Menopause Myths And Facts

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Menopause occurs when a woman does not have a menstrual period for a period of twelve months. Women typically experience menopause in their late 40s or early 50s.

Women commonly experience night sweats prior to, during, and after menopause.

Despite the fact that menopause is a natural biological process, its physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms can disrupt our sleep patterns, lower our energy levels, and negatively affect our emotional health [1].

Approximately 1% of women undergo premature menopause before the age of 40, a condition known as primary ovarian insufficiency or premature menopause. It is estimated that approximately 5% of women experience early menopause between the ages of 40 and 45.

Besides the fact that you will be unable to become pregnant and have periods, there are also several other health effects associated with the decrease in oestrogen [2].

Myths And Facts About Menopause

In spite of the fact that menopause is a completely normal process, it can still be frustrating, in part because it can affect the way sex feels and also the level of sexual desire, which tends to decrease as one approaches menopause [3].

A common myth regarding menopause is that you are unable to orgasm after menopause. Similarly, there are several myths surrounding menopause that are completely untrue.

Myth 1: Menopause kills your sex drive

You can still enjoy a fulfilling sex life during menopause. Lower hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause can affect your sexual drive. However, this is not the case for everyone [4].

Certain menopause symptoms, like vaginal dryness, can also make sex uncomfortable or even painful. Orgasms - and great sex - are still absolutely possible, even after menopause.

Myth 2: Everyone experiences menopause in the same way

As defined by medicine, menopause occurs when women cease to have periods for one year. However, it varies in timing and symptoms from woman to woman. You can look at your family history to get an idea of when you may undergo it. It is likely to occur at an age similar to when your mother or older sisters began theirs [5].

Myth 3: You don't need to see a physician if your symptoms aren't severe

Generally, women wait to consult their doctor about uncomfortable symptoms until they feel bad enough to do so. If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, speak to your doctor about treatment options and strategies for minimising their impact [6].

Myth 4: There is nothing worse than menopause

A majority of menopausal women experience mild to moderate symptoms. Even for those who experience more uncomfortable, disruptive symptoms, menopause can be incredibly liberating when considering certain aspects of it such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) becomes a thing of the past, there are no more periods, period products, or anything having to do with menstrual cycles, and birth control will no longer be necessary [6].

Myth 5: Menopause is a sign of ageing

Despite the fact that menopause is a major life transition, it does not make you old. If you think of it in terms of numbers, menopause can begin as early as your 30s [7]. Likewise, menopause is a new phase in life that can be unpredictable and potentially rewarding at the same time.

On A Final Note...

As a woman approaches menopause, it is important to remember that menopause does not necessarily mean an end to sex life, a life of night sweats and insufficient sleep, or an aging process.

Talk to your doctor about treatment options that can help improve your quality of life if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life.