Menopause symptoms Myth and Facts

know what the myths are about menopause symptoms

Sadly, when going through menopause you will face at least one of these menopause symptoms, hot flushes, weight gain, boob soreness, vaginal dryness or mood swings. Menopause symptoms can seem scary, it is the biggest natural change that your body goes through after pregnancy or even puberty. But there’s no reason to freak out, you can turn your menopausal years into some of the best years by keeping a calm head.

Myth: 

After menopause, your body stops creating hormones.

Fact:

Your body hormone creation rate just goes down after menopause. It doesn’t stop totally.

Myth:

Your period will just suddenly stop one day.

Fact:

If you’re one of the luckiest, this might happen to you, but it’s rare so don’t expect it. Your periods do not show up on time for a while, then they stop entirely. The peri-menopausal phase, which can easily last 3 to 5 years is something that is a result of your ovaries acting like men. Sometimes they work properly, but most of the times they are slow. When your ovaries don’t work properly, your hormone levels are disturbed. It results in your periods going mental. They are like clouds, sometimes they are dark, sometimes they’re light and most of the times they show up as uninvited guests. The average woman has her last period at age 51.

Myth:

Menopause causes you to be cranky and angry.

Fact:

It’s actually the disturbed hormone levels that cause the mood swings, and sometimes that in turn makes you angry. It truly is just a chemical problem. your mood swings won’t last forever. It’s not your fault.

Myth: 

You have no choice but to bear hot flushes.

Fact:

Yes, you often feel like you might have a temperature problem. But don’t think that this can’t be solved. Start with easy solutions like dressing in layers and keeping cold water nearby. To avoid night sweats, it’s a smart move to not drink anything hot before bedtime. Keep your room cool and allow fresh air to come in. Some people take Evening Primrose supplements for help, but ask your doctor before you take any.

Myth:

Most of the Hormones used in Hormone replacements are natural and not artificial.

Fact:

Estrogen replacement hormones are not natural to your body. These artificial hormones are not created inside your body but pumped in from outside. Sort of like botox surgeries. There are no long term studies that prove that these hormones are totally safe.

Myth:

Menopause only affects you physically.

Fact:

You can experience both physical and emotional menopause symptoms.

Myth:

Menopause will kill your sex drive.

Fact:

Sometimes, you may not want to have sex. As your estrogen levels drop it can result in vaginal dryness which makes having sex uncomfortable. Plus, the tissue down there becomes elastic and thin which causes irritation.

Use of lubricants makes sex more comfortable. Coconut oil works well if you’re not using condoms. If that doesn’t work, your doctor can prescribe you some cream that sorts it out. Remember, it is just temporary.

Myth:

You should take hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms.

Fact:

Hormone replacement therapy is not advisable for every woman. If you wish to take the therapy, consult your GP first.

Myth: 

Menopause doesn’t require medical treatment.

Fact:

Menopause symptoms are not the same for everyone. You can opt for treatment if you want. But If you feel you’re going through menopause prematurely, you can ask your doctor for medical help.

Myth: 

Once your period stops, you don’t need to use contraception because technically, you can’t get pregnant.

Fact: 

It is recommended that you use contraception to prevent pregnancy until you have not had a natural period for over a year if you’re above 50 years of age. If you’re under fifty and have not had a period in over two years you’re good to go without contraception. Condoms are still required after this time to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases when having sex with a new sexual partner. Do not forget that love glove!

there are many more menopause symptoms than hot flushes

Myth:

Hot flushes are the only symptom of menopause.

Fact:

You may experience a number of other symptoms including-

  • Night sweats
  • Aches and bruises.
  • Crawling or itching sensations under the skin.
  • Forgetfulness.
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Lack of self-esteem
  • Reduced sex drive (libido)
  • Tiredness
  • Insomnia
  • Frequent urge to pee
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Discomfort while having sex and more.

 

Myth:

Menopause will make you fat.

Fact:

Your hormones are all messed up, and yes, your ability to process energy is slowing down. However, weight gain is not something that is definitely going to happen. It’s just harder to prevent. You have to change the size of your meal, remove reduce carb-rich food in your diet. You’re gonna have to exercise more than before and increase the intensity of these exercises. Losing weight if you’re overweight will result in better health in your postmenopausal years. Time to get those gym shoes ready!

Myth:

Menopause is nature’s way of assuring that you don’t have children when you are “too old.”

Fact:

The first signs of menopause can start in your 30s, while you are certainly of child-bearing age. You can get pregnant while going through menopause. Only when you have stopped having periods for 12 months are you considered unable to produce an egg that can then become a baby. After all, age is just a number.

Myth:

Menopause is something you should be scared of.

Fact: 

It’s not a disease, s