Menopause is a major part of women’s lives, but obtaining trustworthy information about is often hard to find. And when we do find it, the details can be confusing and overwhelming. Help is at hand! We asked local experts to debunk some common menopause myths. 

Myth 1: I don’t need to start thinking about menopause until I’m in my 40s.

This is a common misconception; the truth is, our hormone levels can start fluctuating in our 30s. Anna Rashidi, PharmD, FAPC, at Innovative Compounding Pharmacy (icpfolsom.com), explains: “Progesterone can start depleting in your mid-30s, leading to symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, and irregular periods, as well as mood changes.”   

Myth 2: Menopause is a sudden moment in time when I stop menstruating.

Monica Willsey, MD, OBGYN, at Dignity Health (dignityhealth.org), advises, “Many women think menopause is an abrupt transition where periods suddenly stop. [The truth is] estrogen levels decline gradually over several years. Perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, may last [anywhere from] 7-10 years before menopause and may be associated with symptoms such as hot flashes or irregular periods.” The term “menopause” refers to the time when you haven’t had a period for a year in healthy, non-pregnant circumstances.

Myth 3: My menopause journey will follow the same route as my mom’s.

“Not necessarily,” says Rashidi. “As women, we should certainly talk to our mothers about their menopause experience, but it’s not a given that ours will be the same.  However, if your mother went through a premature menopause then that may [be passed] on to daughters.” Time to take your mom out for a coffee and a chat!  

Myth 4: My relationship with my partner is likely to deteriorate during menopause.

It doesn’t have to be as bleak as that, according to Nancy Ryan, MA, LMFT, and owner of Relationship Therapy Center (therelationshiptherapycenter.com). “It’s important to talk openly about how symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, or low libido are affecting each partner. Women can feel less attractive, less confident, or struggle with the idea of aging. Helping your partner [be aware of] the symptoms can make it easier for them to understand.”  

Ryan adds, “It’s important to remember your partner’s current needs. Instead of avoiding intimacy [altogether], explore new ways to connect intimately: more cuddling, massages, holding hands, or different ways to have sex. I see couples struggle when they don’t talk about their sex life, and the woman just decides she doesn’t feel like it anymore, regardless of what her partner might want. Seek couples counseling for support, if needed.” As always, communication is key. 

Myth 5: Testosterone is a hormone for men.

While we’re on the subject of libido, let’s discuss testosterone. This hormone is associated with men, but women need it, too—and during perimenopause, levels can decrease. Rashidi tells me that “Lower levels of testosterone can lead to a low libido.”  Speak to your doctor about low libido, and they might suggest testosterone.

Myth 6:  Hormone replacement therapy is unsafe. 

What can we do about symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, joint pain (oh yes!), brain fog, and vaginal dryness? Says Willsey: “Another common misconception is that women need to ‘just live with’ symptoms of menopause.  Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally safe and effective for relief of symptoms for most women under 60 who are within 10 years of menopause.”  

HRT received bad press in the 2000s, as Willsey elaborates. “In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative found a link between HRT and risk of blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. This led to doctors avoiding HRT. Since then, however, there have been numerous additional studies done that have helped determine the risks are less than previously thought, especially when started closer to the onset of menopause. This has led to broader acceptance of HRT as an option for relief of menopausal symptoms. It can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures, as well as lower the risk of diabetes and colon cancer. Of course, risks and benefits must be considered individually. Certain women, including those with a history of breast cancer, stroke, heart attack, blood clots, or liver disease should not use HRT.”

Myth 7: If HRT isn’t right for me, I’m stuck with the symptoms.

There are other ways to help with the symptoms, as Willsey continues. “Eating a diet [rich in] fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help to alleviate symptoms. In addition, getting regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing exercise—think walking, hiking, and strength training—has been shown to improve energy and sleep cycles during perimenopause and menopause. There are other non-hormonal medications that can be used for menopausal symptom relief, too.”

As always, speak to your doctor or OBGYN; and don’t suffer alone. Ascertaining the facts for your health and taking positive steps is critical to a happy life, through this stage of life and beyond.  

by Caroline Kings
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