Debunking The Top 10 Menopause Myths (Part 1 of 2) | Deon Hall-Garriques
THIS BLOG IS PART 1 OF 2 AND WILL COVER 5 OF THE TOP 10 COMMON MENOPAUSE MYTHS. PART 2 OF 2 WILL COVER THE REMAINING 5 MYTHS.
For decades, women have been discouraged or silenced from talking openly about their struggles with the growing list of menopausal symptoms. Additionally, some medical professionals often tell women that there is nothing they can do about their symptoms because they are a normal part of the aging process and being a woman.
As such, this type of thinking has created various myths and misconceptions about perimenopause or menopause. I have lost count of how many times I have heard the above. And, many women have bought into those misconceptions or myths, thinking they have to suffer with their symptoms until they pass.
THIS IS NOT TRUE.
Experts have documented 34 common perimenopause and menopause symptoms, but many have argued that there are more. Some of these common symptoms include unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsection, lack of energy, cravings, insomnia, bloating, brain fog, mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats, and so much more.
If you are a perimenopausal or menopausal woman, you probably have experienced one or more of the above.
Perimenopause usually starts around the age of 35 to 40 and is the period where the body starts gearing up for the end of the reproductive years. During this time, there are a multitude of hormonal changes in the body leading up to menopause or your last period.
On the other hand, menopause usually occurs around the age of 52 but could vary. This is when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months, which signifies permanent infertility or the end of the reproductive years.
During menopause, a woman usually has lower levels of estrogen, which could lead to different symptoms that may vary from woman to woman ranging from mild to problematic.
Below are the top 10 myths or misconceptions about perimenopause and menopause and what you can do to manage your symptoms.
Myth No. 1 - It’s normal so you just have to suffer through the symptoms.
This is not true. I used to think the same thing because that was the information I received from my medical practitioner until I did my research and learned otherwise.
Most women can naturally alleviate their symptoms through diet, supplements, or herbal remedies (e.g.,passion-flower extract, black cohosh, red clover) and lifestyle changes (e.g. yoga, meditation, acupuncture, essential oils protocol). However, in more severe cases, some women have opted to use medications or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Myth No. 2 - It’s too late to get healthy during the menopausal transition.
In general, it’s never too late to start improving your health, better than never.
If a healthy lifestyle is new to you, consider working with a coach who can help you navigate your journey. In the meantime, I recommend you start making small changes such as reducing your consumption of processed foods, drinking more water, incorporating supplements and herbs, getting a walking buddy, and starting moving or starting a yoga practice.
Myth No. 3 - Weight gain is inevitable during the menopausal transition.
Weight gain is common during this phase, mostly due to the reduction of estrogen production in the ovaries (ending of the reproductive years) and sluggish thyroids, which can lead to slower metabolism and hence weight gain.
Eating a wholesome diet and making lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, including resistance training and getting quality sleep can help to reduce symptoms and manage excess weight gain.
Myth No. 4 - Every woman experiences hot flashes & night sweats.
While these symptoms are prevalent and have garnered a lot of attention, not every woman experiences them. Some women have very mild hot flashes and no night sweats or night sweats and no hot flashes that interrupt their life or their sleep.
If your hot flashes are severe and are disrupting your sleep, start doing the following:
Establish a clear nighttime sleep pattern and a set bedtime.
Add moderate to vigorous varied physical activity into your daily routine. This shift will work different muscle groups, which gives you a better workout making you more tired.
For hot flashes during the day, mix a few drops of peppermint essential oils with water in a spray glass bottle and spritz your face as needed. Peppermint helps to cool down the body.
Myth No. 5 - You lose your sex drive after menopause.
For sure hormonal changes affect your sex drive. Many women also experience vaginal dryness and thinning tissues because the ovaries shut down and estrogen drops, resulting in less blood flow to vaginal tissues, which can make sex uncomfortable. However, you can have a great sex life with the help of some lubricant.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA), Healthcentral.com
In Good Health,
Deon
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide medical advice. The purpose is to provide education and a broader understanding to my readers. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. I do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs.
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