Many women don’t know much about menopause, which leads to myths that can make it seem worse than it actually is. There’s a common belief that menopause is all about hot flushes, intimacy struggles, and sleepless nights. While it’s true that about 80% of women experience hot flushes, there’s a range of other symptoms that can show up too, like anxiety, depression, changes in sexual feelings, memory lapses, mood swings, sleep issues, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and weight gain.
Often, these symptoms start during perimenopause, the stage before menopause marked by irregular periods. This transition can catch women off guard, especially if they’re not expecting it, which is why understanding menopause is so important.
Hot flushes are perhaps the most famous menopause symptom, but they’re far from the whole picture. Many women experience additional changes like:
Knowing that menopause can bring a variety of symptoms can help women feel more prepared and capable of navigating this life stage.
Another common belief is that menopause only starts after age 50. In reality, menopause can happen in different ways:
Things like smoking, family history, cancer treatments, or certain autoimmune conditions can bring on menopause earlier. While the average age is around 51, the timing can vary widely, just as it does with puberty. Recognizing this variability helps women be more informed about their reproductive health.
Some women believe that once menopause hits, they just have to endure the symptoms. But this isn’t true—menopause is a natural phase of life, and while some women face significant symptoms, there are options for relief.
Experts emphasize that women don’t have to "tough it out." There are many ways to ease symptoms, and speaking with healthcare providers can lead to personalized plans. These might include hormone therapy or other medications that can make a big difference.
Hormone therapy has a bit of a bad reputation, but this is a misconception worth clearing up. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) involves taking estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone, hormones the body naturally produces less of after menopause. For women under 60 or those within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy can be highly effective at relieving symptoms like hot flushes and vaginal dryness.
Concerns about hormone therapy largely stem from a 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study that suggested a link between combination hormone therapy and increased risks of breast cancer and heart disease. However, this study has been criticized for its design flaws, like focusing on older women who hadn’t recently gone through menopause. Today, there are several FDA-approved hormone therapy options that are considered safe for symptom relief. It’s a good idea for women to discuss individual benefits and risks with their healthcare providers or a certified menopause specialist.
Some believe dietary supplements are essential for managing menopause symptoms. While certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids can support overall well-being, they can also pose health risks if they interact with other medications. Talking to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement is always wise.
Here are some commonly discussed options:
Good news—hormone therapy isn’t the only way to manage menopause symptoms! For women who can’t or prefer not to take hormones, alternatives like fezolinetant, an FDA-approved medication, are available to help with symptom relief. And beyond medications, lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on how you feel. Here are some supportive steps to consider:
These simple habits can make a big difference in keeping you comfortable and feeling your best through this transition.
Let’s clear this one up: menopause doesn’t mean saying goodbye to a fulfilling sex life! While lower estrogen levels can affect things like arousal and tissue sensitivity, there are plenty of ways to keep intimacy enjoyable. Here’s how:
Some women even report feeling more at ease and connected with their sexuality after menopause. Whether or not you experience changes in your sex life, remember that options are available to support you.
