15 Menopause Myths We’re All Tired of Hearing Replaced With Menopause Facts

Menopause can be a turbulent time for so many women, made so much worse by circling menopause myths that fill us with dread and panic.

With that in mind, let’s debunk some menopause myths and straighten them out with menopause facts.

Recap: what is menopause?

If you’ve not yet read the Ultimate Guide to Becoming Menopausal, let’s cover the basics. So, what exactly is menopause?

Menopause is when your periods have stopped because of lower hormone levels and you have had no periods (or spotting) for 12 months in a row.

Before menopause, you’ll go through perimenopause. During perimenopause, you may experience a range of menopause symptoms but your periods have not yet stopped – even if they are erratic or irregular. So long as you’ve had a period within the past 12 months, you’re not yet menopausal.

15 menopause myths we’re debunking

As you’re reading this right now, one in three women in the UK is currently going through menopause. That might be you. It might be a friend, a family member or a partner.

The point is, menopause is something that either is currently or will, at some point, impact the women you care about.

Menopause myths can be dangerous. Despite the growing number of women that go through perimenopause and menopause, it’s still a vastly misunderstood topic.

With this misunderstanding brings anxiety and panic. When utter lies have been spread about menopause, it’s unsurprising that we’re all asking ourselves “is this menopause symptom normal?” “Am I dying?” and “when am I allowed to ask for help?”

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the 15 most common menopause myths and, instead, let’s get our menopause facts straight.

Meno-myth 1: menopause only happens after you’ve reached 50 years old

One of our first menopause myths can cause shock to any women who go through perimenopause and reach menopause before the age of 50.

Typically, menopause is often reached between the ages of 45 and 55. That said, it can vary from person to person: and vary dramatically.

Though the average age of reaching menopause is 51, there’s no official date to mark on your calendar. You could go through perimenopause early but it could last longer and thus you’d reach menopause later. Or the opposite could be true. It’s all different for everyone.

Premature menopause is also a possibility. However, it does impact only 1% of women under the age of 40. Only 0.1% of women will reach menopause under the age of 30. Just 5% of women experience menopause before the age of 45.

There are certain factors that contribute toward an earlier menopause. Medical conditions and procedures, such as a hysterectomy and chemotherapy, can trigger menopause to come early. That said, there’s not always a way to pinpoint the reason for early or late menopause.

The idea that menopause only happens after you’ve reached 50 years old is simply not true. The menopause fact, in reality, is that It can be both prior or later to this age.

Meno-myth 2: pregnancy in perimenopause is impossible

The “lead up” to menopause is called perimenopause, which means “around menopause.”

If you’ve been searching for the facts surrounding pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause then here’s the deal: You can get pregnant during perimenopause. If you’re having periods during perimenopause – no matter how erratic or irregular they are – you can still conceive.

Menopause pregnancy, on the other hand, is a no. You aren’t ovulating when you reach menopause, so if you’re trying to conceive, you’ll need to do so during perimenopause.

That’s why it’s so important to use an effective method of birth control if you don’t want to fall pregnant.

Pregnancy in perimenopause can sometimes happen due to the misconception that pregnancy is simply impossible at this time.

It’s been recommended that you should use contraception for 2 years after your last natural period if you’re under the age of 50. If you’re over 50 years old, it’s recommended to use contraception for one year after your last natural period.

Meno-myth 3: menopause starts as soon as your periods stop

Perimenopause is the transitional phase from pre-menopause to menopause.

Menopause is, by definition, when you have not had any periods or vaginal spotting for 12 consecutive months. Until then, you are in perimenopause.

So, if you have not had a period for 6 months, you’re not yet officially menopausal. Rather, you’re perimenopausal.

To track this, consider using a period tracking app. There are apps available that also allow you to track your symptoms, which is always recommended throughout perimenopause and menopause.

Meno-myth 4: hot flashes are just in your head

As women, we’ve all been told – at least once – that our medical symptoms are in our head. It sucks. Unfortunately, there’s a wide-spread menopause myth that hot flashes are a figment of our imagination. We wish!

In reality, hot flashes are very real. As our oestrogen levels drop, the thermostat inside our brain is impaired, which can cause sudden rushes and drastic fluctuations to body temperature.

For those who haven’t experienced a hot flash before, it feels like sudden spreading of heat. Usually this is in the upper body, focused mainly on the face, neck and chest. As well as the spread of heat, redness and sweating can come along for the ride.

While some women don’t experience hot flashes at all, they are one of the most common perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Some people get one hot flash per day, while others get multiple hot flashes daily, even at night. This can cause sleep disturbance and intensify the severity of other menopause (and perimenopause) symptoms.

Meno-myth 5: menopause symptoms last forever

Ergh, when do menopause symptoms end?

Though it can feel like your menopause symptoms and perimenopause symptoms are going to last forever, they won’t. I promise.

Symptoms of menopause tend to start months or even years before your periods stop. Perimenopause is a different experience for every woman in terms of both your symptoms and the duration of them. On average, the length for these symptoms sit between 4 or 5 years. That said, for you this could be significantly longer or shorter. Some women have symptoms for 10 – 13 years. So, in answer to the question: when do menopause symptoms end, the menopause fact is that, quite simply, it depends.

Usually, you’ll see symptoms continue for roughly 4 years after your last period. While they can last longer than this, they won’t last forever. So, in spite of this being one of the more depressing menopause myths – it is just that. Myth.

Meno-myth 6: all your symptoms are physical

There are many physical side effects of menopause (and perimenopause). But there are also emotional and mental side effects.

Changes in mood, for example, are highly common in menopause, often dropping to a frequent low mood or menopause anxiety.

Of course, low moods and anxiety don’t always come from perimenopause or menopause. There are other factors that could contribute towards it. That said, if you are going through perimenopause or menopause, fluctuations in hormone levels will cause some symptoms, and a low mood or anxiety could be one of them.

Meno-myth 7: menopause sex drive loss is inevitable and happens to everyone

As your oestrogen and testosterone levels are knocked off balance and decline, menopause sex drive loss can happen. This doesn’t last forever, though. For some women who see an increased sex drive, menopause can bring a whole new lease of life.

Lots of women find that, when their oestrogen levels drop, the symptoms that come as a consequence such as vaginal dryness, mood swings or night sweats can work in tandem to put them off having sex. Vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable or even painful. Mood swings can cause emotional distress. And night sweats? We’d all understand if you weren’t in the mood if you haven’t had a proper night’s sleep for months.

That said, it’s been reported that many women find that once they’ve stopped having periods, their sex drive rises. Some people have commented that there’s a feeling of relief when this happens because they don’t need to worry about pregnancy.

In terms of how to increase sex drive during menopause, the most important thing is to communicate with your partner(s). Lots of foreplay will help, too, and make sure you’re taking things slow.

During perimenopause and menopause, vaginal tissue can become more dry and fragile than usual, which makes it more susceptible to tearing or injury, particularly during sex. That’s why, when thinking up strategies for how to increase sex drive during menopause, you should invest in some good, natural vaginal lubricant.

When purchasing lube best for menopause, make sure you check the ingredients for glycerine. Glycerine can cause further dehydration and damage your vaginal tissue more. Plus, it can lead to yeast infections.

Meno-myth 8: weight gain in menopause is inevitable

Repeat after me: menopause weight gain is not inevitable.

Scientifically speaking, there’s a higher probability of gaining weight during perimenopause than prior to it, but it’s not something you have to just put up with.

During perimenopause and after, the fluctuating oestrogen levels inside your body will slow down your metabolism and reduce your muscle mass. This can then lead to weight gain, even if you’re doing everything you used to do in terms of eating healthy and exercising regularly.

However, being aware of the higher possibility of weight gain during menopause is the first step to preventing it. It’s always favourable to prevent something rather than be rid of it after it has happened.

That’s why I run my Menopause Midsection Makeover: a completely bespoke and scientific way to lose menopause weight. It’s not a quick fix diet plan, but it does absolutely work. My menopause weight loss programme’s results prove that menopause weight gain is not inevitable.

Meno-myth 9: you’re forgetful ‘cause you’re getting older

Sometimes, we can forget things because of our age. That is a side effect of aging, after all. However, forgetfulness and brain fog are common side effects of menopause and perimenopause. So, if you are either perimenopausal or menopausal, there’s a good probability your forgetfulness is due to the changes your body is going through: particularly if you’re also experiencing other symptoms of menopause or perimenopause.

Brain fog or forgetfulness can sometimes be caused by sleep disturbance, which is common in perimenopause and menopause. A lack of sleep may be down to night sweats, too. Oestrogen levels that are knocked off balance can impact memory, language skills, attention and focus and mood.

So, if you’re frustrated that you keep forgetting things or your mind feels a bit foggy, you’re not alone. It’s likely due to your perimenopause or menopause rather than your age.

Meno-myth 10: menopause is natural so you need to get on with it

Pregnancy is natural. Does that mean giving birth is a hoot? Absolutely not.

Menopause and the lead up to menopause can be a turbulent time. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are things you can do to help reduce the severity of your symptoms, and there’s also help available for those who need it.

You should never feel ashamed of visiting a doctor to discuss your perimenopause or menopause. Don’t sit back just because it’s “natural.”

It’s absolutely worth making some healthy lifestyle swaps through perimenopause and menopause, too. Exercise has been proven to boost serotonin levels. Doing routine exercise while maintaining a balanced and healthy diet will make the world of difference.

Make time for self care, too. Whether you find stress relief by meditating, writing in a journal, having a deep bubble bath or even a bit of crochet: you must make sure you make the time for yourself.

Meno-myth 11: men go through menopause, too

Even though it’s called menopause, men absolutely do not go through the menopause.

For men, it’s pretty standard for their testosterone levels to drop as they grow older. That said, ‘manopause’ is not the same as menopause.

Menopause, even when it hasn’t been surgically induced, is a pretty sudden change to the body. Oestrogen levels fluctuate quite dramatically from day to day during perimenopause, which causes a range of symptoms.

In terms of men’s falling testosterone levels, though, they’re often gradual and gentle. So, the changes aren’t as sudden, which is why they don’t ordinarily have extreme side effects.

(This is my 1001th reason why men have it easier.)

Meno-myth 12: after menopause, your body just stops producing hormones altogether

Before, during and after menopause: you always have hormones. Going through menopause doesn’t mean you won’t have hormones ever again.

Your sex hormones, made up of oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone, do lower in levels as you reach the end of your reproductive years. This is because they aren’t as in demand anymore. However, they don’t vanish altogether. You still need your sex hormones and, so, your body still produces them. It’s just that they’re produced in lower quantities.

The changes to hormones are reasons why you may experience an increased sex drive; menopause can also lead to sex drive loss. Everyone is different!

Meno-myth 13: you’ll reach menopause when your mum reached menopause

Genetics do play a role in terms of when you’ll go through the menopause, but it’s only one of many roles. Other factors matter, also.

For example, smokers have been seen to reach menopause – on average – 2 years sooner than non-smokers.

Certain medical conditions or history can, too, have an impact on when you’ll reach menopause. For example, if you have had an autoimmune disease or have undergone chemotherapy, you might be more likely to start menopause early.

Meno-myth 14: there’s no difference between natural menopause and surgical menopause

Both get you to the same destination, sure, but surgical menopause and natural menopause are different. Very different.

Natural menopause involves you going through perimenopause, where a gradual shift of your sex hormones take place.

Surgical menopause, which follows a total hysterectomy, is not gradual. Instead, it’s sudden. As with my experience, it can happen literally over night.

When you have a total hysterectomy, you’re having surgery to remove your uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. This removal will drastically and suddenly impact your hormone production. This is why you can be hit with severe symptoms almost immediately post-surgery.

When you have a partial hysterectomy – when only your uterus is removed – the changes are harder to predict. Some women have immediate symptoms after surgery while others don’t experience any.

Every woman experiences perimenopause and menopause differently. Whether they get to menopause “naturally” or surgically, there’s no “copy and paste” way to experience menopause.

Meno-myth 15: your symptoms aren’t bad enough to see your doctor

Unfortunately, women usually put off going to the doctor; waiting and waiting until they assess that they now feel bad enough to seek medical intervention.

If you are uncomfortable with your symptoms, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your GP.

Your GP is there to help you, offering treatment options and strategies to make life easier for you. You should feel comfortable enough to speak to your GP about any of your perimenopause or menopause symptoms, though the following symptoms should be flagged:

• Hot flashes and night sweats – specifically if they are disrupting your sleep
• Sexual health concerns (low libido, vaginal dryness)
• Irregular or exceptionally heavy bleeding
• Bleeding more than once a month (you may be experiencing symptoms of other conditions, such as endometriosis.)

If you’re confused about your symptoms due to the menopause myths circulating, don’t hesitate to speak with your GP. They can help reassure you that your symptoms are normal or do further testing if need be.

Why we need to talk about menopause

The reasons these menopause myths have circulated the scene is because we’re too afraid to talk about menopause.

There’s a taboo surrounding the subject, and while it is getting better, it’s not yet good enough.

Whether you yourself are going through perimenopause or menopause or you’re trying to support someone you care about, it’s critical we talk openly about it. If not you, someone in your life will go through menopause. The only way to support them (or yourself) is to learn about it, shed the misconceptions and make a healthier world where women don’t feel shame over something natural and unavoidable.

If you are going through perimenopause or menopause, try to open up to the people you care about. Explain how you are feeling, your symptoms, and how they can support you. Don’t underestimate the role the people around you have in helping you through this transition.

Menopause myths – in a nutshell

From “put up and shut up” to “it’s all in your head,” it’s easy to see how these menopause myths are so damaging for women all over the world.

The best way to combat it is through education: learning what is myth and what is fact.

Remember, menopause is different for everyone. There’s no “right” way to “do menopause” or perimenopause. However, there are misconceptions that are undoubtedly wrong, such as “all symptoms are physical” and “you can’t get pregnant during perimenopause.”

Share this article with someone you care about so they can support you through this transition. The first step is getting their facts straight, after all!