Menopause Myths

Although menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life, there are still many menopause myths that you may have heard and possibly believe. At Diana Health, we want you to know the latest research so that you can make evidence-based decisions that are best for you. Below are some of the most common menopause myths we hear from our patients at Diana Health, as well as the truth behind these topics. 

Myth:
I’m still having periods therefore, I can’t be having menopause-related symptoms.

Truth:
Natural menopause is officially “entered” once a woman has ceased having menstrual periods for a year. However, most women start to have perimenopausal symptoms before they actually become “postmenopausal”. During this time, menses may become irregular, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and mood lability (a symptom that involves rapid and exaggerated mood changes) are among some of the common symptoms. 

Learn more about the three stages of menopause.

Myth:
If I’m not experiencing hot flashes, I must not be menopausal. 

Truth:
Although hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by women during the perimenopause transition, only 75% of women experience hot flashes. Even among those women who experience hot flashes, some women will have them frequently and notice a significant impact on their quality of life, while other women may have fewer, they may be less intense, and they may not be bothered by them. 

Myth:
All women gain weight during menopause. 

Truth:
During the menopause transition, an average woman in the U.S. gains about 1.5 pounds per year. The reason for this change is complex and is driven by hormonal changes. We often see an increase in body fat, especially around the abdomen, with a decrease in lean muscle mass. As this happens, metabolic rate can decline too. Although this is typical, it is not inevitable. Eating healthy, nourishing foods and getting adequate physical activity (including resistance training) can help to mitigate these changes. 

Myth:
I can’t get pregnant during perimenopause. 

Truth:
Although the likelihood of getting pregnant typically decreases during the menopause transition compared to earlier in your reproductive years, women can still conceive during the perimenopause transition. For this reason, if you are trying to avoid pregnancy, it is important to use contraception until you are postmenopausal and have checked with your healthcare provider.

Myth:
Once I’ve gone through menopause, I no longer need to see a woman’s health care professional. 

Truth:
Although having a family medicine or internal medicine healthcare provider as part of your team is beneficial, it is still important to check in, at least annually, with your women’s health professional at Diana Health. Ob-gyn physicians and certified nurse midwives have special training in supporting women through the menopause transition and for decades to come.   

Myth:
Menopause does not typically impact emotional health.

Truth:
About 40% of women experience mood symptoms similar to PMS, while going through the menopause transition. As your hormones fluctuate from day to day an even hour to hour, you may notice that your mood fluctuates more too. Occurrences that used to cause minimal stress, may now feel like a major problem. Sleep disruption due to night sweats can also negatively impact emotional health. Give yourself grace and remind yourself that these hormonal fluctuations will pass. Reach out to us at Diana Health or another trusted health professional if we can support you. 

Myth:
Hormone therapy is dangerous for all women.

Truth:
At Diana Health, our professionals are experts in hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms. Menopause is not a disease that needs to be treated. However, some women experience severe hot flashes and night sweats, and their quality of life can be significantly improved by taking hormones. There are risks and benefits to hormone therapy, just like every medication. It’s important to talk with your Diana Health provider so that they can review your personal medical history, family history, medications, and other pertinent information so that you can make an informed decision as to what is best for you. 

Myth:
If I don’t take hormone therapy, there is nothing that can be done for my menopause symptoms. 

Truth:
There are several non-hormonal prescription medications that can be used to help women with menopausal symptoms. Also, some women prefer to try lifestyle changes instead of or in addition to hormone therapy to help with their menopause symptoms. Although they don’t work for all women, there are many good side effects for a healthy lifestyle, whether or not you personally get relief from hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes. Eating healthy foods, getting adequate physical activity and restorative sleep, and managing stress in healthy ways, are good for every woman, regardless of symptoms.  

The menopause transition provides an opportunity to positively impact your health trajectory. At Diana Health, we are here to help you along your journey. We want to hear your questions to educate you and support you in making decisions that support your well-being. When you follow the evidence rather than myths and have the Diana Health professionals as part of your health team, menopause can be an exciting time to start the second half of your life. Book a visit today to start your journey.