Myths Vs Facts: Do All Women Experience Menopause the Same Way?

Ahead of World Menopause Day, an obstetrician and gynaecologist debunks common myths around menopause.

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the timing can vary among women. The process is triggered by low levels of estrogen, causing symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue.

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Myth: Menopause is the end of a woman's sexual desire and enjoyment.

 

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Fact: This statement is false. Menopause does not mark the end of a woman's sexual journey. While hormonal changes during this phase can affect libido, it doesn't mean that women lose interest in or the ability to enjoy sex.

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Myth: All women experience menopause in the same way.

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Fact: Menopause is a highly individualized experience that varies from woman to woman. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and overall health can highly influence how one manages to go through this transition. It's crucial not to make assumptions about what every woman experiences during menopause. Some may face severe symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, while others might sail through without any problems.

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Myth: Menopause only occurs in your 50s.

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Fact: While it's true that most women enter menopause between their late 40s and early 50s, it can actually occur earlier or later in the case of some women. Early-onset menopause can happen as early as the 30s due to medical conditions or surgical interventions such as hysterectomy or chemotherapy.

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Myth: Menopause equals weight gain.

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Fact: This is not true at all. While hormonal imbalance during menopause may be the culprit here, menopause is not necessarily a guarantee that a woman’s weight will increase. The truth is that after a certain age, controlling your weight can prove more challenging. However, if a woman maintains a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine, she will be able to maintain an optimum weight during menopause.

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Myth: Taking hormonal therapy during menopause can be problematic for a woman.

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Fact:  It is a known fact that hormonal therapy is not suitable for everyone. 'One size doesn't suit all thus the medication and their doses need to be individualized depending upon age, symptoms, and any medical/surgical history. But, those who opt for it after consulting the doctor tend to get that much-needed relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. It is imperative to discuss with the doctor and then only take the recommended treatment.

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Myth: Hot flashes are the sole indication of menopause.

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Fact: Hot flashes are just one of the symptoms experienced during menopause. Other symptoms include mood swings, insomnia, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods or heavy bleeding. It's important to recognize that every woman experiences menopause differently and not to ignore other symptoms.

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Myth: Menopause is a sickness.

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Fact: Absolutely not. Like every sunrise is followed by sunset, It's an inherent change that all women will encounter similar to the onset of puberty. The age at which it manifests will change and depend upon factors like genetic makeup, nutritional status, any medical history, etc.

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It is a known fact that menopause can have far-reaching effects on one’s physical and mental well-being. Hormonal changes during menopause may lead to changes in sexual desire and function.

Ahead of World Menopause Day 2023 Dr Prasad Kulat, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Ankura Hospital, Pune, debunks some commonly held myths around menopause.