Menopause: Facts and Myths

The “World Menopause Day” was founded by the International Menopause Society in 2009. Ever since, 18th October is celebrated as World Menopause Day, with different theme each year aimed at raising awareness about menopause and to improve the experience of women.

Many women are aware of menopause and the crazy symptoms it brings along. However, many are uninformed or misinformed leading to maladjustments and stress. My intention is to bring a panoramic view of menopause, and debunk the myths associated with it.

Myth— Menopause is a disease.

Fact— Menopause is a natural sign of aging, not a disease.

Just like menarche marks the onset of women’s reproductive years, menopause marks the end of it. It happens when the ovaries slow down and hormones like estrogen and progesterone declines its production.

Myth— Menopause lasts for several years.

Fact— Menopause is just one day.

However, its symptoms can last for several years. When a woman completely stops having a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months, she has entered menopause. Often, the term menopause is used in wider sense, referring both the years before and after menopause. Nevertheless, it comes with stages starting with perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

Myth— Menopause starts at the age of 45.

Fact— According to WHO, menopause typically occurs between 45 to 55 years globally, but perimenopause can begin 7-10 years earlier.

In other words, if you are to hit menopause at 45, then you are likely to experience perimenopausal symptoms as early as 35. Also, a number of studies shows that biological, socio-culture, women’s health conditions and lifestyle factors affect the age of menopause. It is plausible to face menopause in your 30s and even 60s.

Menopause is considered premature when occurred before the age of 40; early when occurred between the ages of 40 and 45; and an induced menopause can occur from surgeries like hysterectomy or treatments for certain health conditions.

Myth— All women experience similar and severe symptoms .

Fact— Every woman’s menopause journey is unique, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Myth—Hot flashes and night sweats are the only symptoms.

Fact— Though hot flashes and night sweats are common; they are not the only symptoms.

Other symptoms include irregular or heavy periods, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, fatigue, digestive problems, joint pains, decreased libido, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, poor sleep pattern, etc.

Myth— All symptoms disappear at once after menopause.

Fact— Symptoms may slowly begin to fade, continue or change.

However, there is an increased health risk such as heart disease and osteoporosis postmenopause.

Myth— You cannot get pregnant during menopausal transition.

Fact—Pregnancy is still possible as it can be difficult to know about your ovulation, especially if your periods are irregular. Contraception is recommended to avoid unintended pregnancy until after 12 consecutive months without menstruation.

Myth— Menopause is untreatable.

Fact— Menopause is treatable. Perimenopause affects not only body but also one’s identity, relationships and overall wellbeing.

There are ways to ease the symptoms with right support, safe treatment plans and options including lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, hormone therapy, non-hormonal medicines and counseling, etc.

Myth— Hormone Replacement Therapy is unsafe.

Fact— HRT is an effective treatment for managing hot flashes and night sweats.

For many healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, benefits outweigh risks when guided by a doctor.

Myth— Menopause is a negative life event.

Fact—Menopause can be viewed as a positive transition, marking a new phase of life.

Women can focus on—accepting the change, shift mindsets, freedom from menstrual cycles, unintended pregnancies, self-care, developing new hobbies and celebrating life experiences etc.

Alokali Zhimomi