Don’t Believe Those Menopause Myths

September 6th, 2009 by Menopause | Filed under Menopause FAQs.

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There are so many misconceptions and myths about the menopause, so it’s no wonder that women can get confused. Referring to it as “the change” makes it sound like a sudden and terrifying occasion however life is a series of gradual changes of which the menopause is a natural part. One of the frightening things you may be told is that your memory will never be the same but this isn’t strictly true.

A study from the University of California proven that any forgetfulness is only temporary for most women and learning ability returns to normal after the menopause. This is good news for the 60% of women who claim memory problems. You may be surprised at the amount of misinformation around the menopause and it isn’t always easy to cope however knowing the difference between fact and fiction can make it a whole lot easier.

All Women Will Suffer Uncomfortable Menopause Symptoms

Most women get one or two of the most general symptoms including hot flushes and night sweats however many sail through the menopause with no problems at all. Branding of “the change” as some kind of nightmare makes women to fear and dread it unnecessarily. In countries like Japan where age is revered and older women are respected, fewer physical and psychological symptoms are reported. I feel negative attitudes about the menopause and aging in the West have an adverse effect on women here.

You’ll Put On Weight

Women do tend to put on weight at the menopause however it’s partly due to a slower metabolism as we age which affects men too. Declining level of estrogen can affect how fat is distributed, showing why any weight gain is often round the waist. You may have to work harder however weight loss can still be achieved in the usual ways: regular exercise and a healthy diet. Studies show that many women who don’t take HRT gain weight as those who do. Some women get increased water retention/bloating however changing the dose or type can help with this.

Smoking Leads To Earlier Menopause

Women who smoke are more likely to start the menopause before 45, putting them at increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. The average menopause age in the UK is 51 and the risk of early menopause is almost double for heavy smokers. Evidence shows you may not be affected whenever you quit before middle age but the earlier you stop the better.

Your Sex Life Is Over

This is only true whenever you want it to be and research shows that most of us don’t. A study this year showed that more than 80% of menopausal women still want an active sex life. Some even report increased sexual satisfaction after menopause that may be due to the higher testosterone-to-estrogen ratio. Many menopausal women feel liberated from the fear of getting pregnant and relax more. Dwindling estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse however there are safe and effective treatments for this including water-based lubrication.

You’ll Begin The Menopause At The Same Age As Your Mum

Your mum’s history can be a good indicator of what’s in store and many women whose mothers have an early menopause seem to follow the same. Report from the Netherlands proves there is a genetic link and in future women could be tested for the risk of an early menopause, assisting them to decide when to start a family. The age you began periods could be significant and you may finish later if you started young.

It’s All Downhill Now

This is totally nonsense and I believe you can make what you want from your life during and after menopause. It can be a time where you focus on yourself or establish new and exciting goals. Most women expect to carry on into their 80s thus that’s a good 30 years after the average menopause. As long as you take care of yourself, keep active physically and mentally and have a healthy attitude to aging, it can be a wonderful time for a menopausal woman.