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The menopause journey is unique for every woman, and each undergoes individualized symptoms and treatments. With so much gray area surrounding menopause and a lack of proper menopause awareness and education, it can be easy for myths to be propagated throughout society. Here are some menopause myths that we are about to bust!
Menopause = no sex life
Not all women experience a decrease in libido during menopause. While it is a symptom of hormonal imbalance, it is not applicable to women everywhere. Using natural supplements to help prevent vaginal dryness can make sex more enjoyable and prevent you from losing sex drive. Chasteberry and ashwagandha are common herbs that might improve libido and fruits like figs and bananas are considered natural aphrodisiacs!
Menopause means weight gain is inevitable
Because of the hormonal changes and significant decline of estrogen during menopause, weight gain is quite common and affects many women. However, it does not mean weight gain is inevitable. By exercising daily and following a healthy diet, you can not only reduce the chances of gaining weight, but improve your mood and stress as well!
Sleep is unaffected by menopause
As the ovaries produce fewer hormones during perimenopause, the lower levels of progesterone make insomnia much more likely to occur. Hot flashes, which are typical menopause symptoms, can also increase your adrenaline in bursts during the night, making it much harder to get a good night’s sleep.
Insomnia occurs when one has a hard time falling asleep and wakes up often throughout the night. Symptoms include taking 30 minutes or longer to fall asleep, waking up early, or feeling lethargic throughout the day. Consistent insomnia can also impact your health by increasing stress, making you more anxious, or creating gastrointestinal issues.
While there aren’t any cures to treat insomnia, implementing lifestyle changes can make a drastic difference in overall quality of sleep. Keeping your bedroom temperature cool, shutting off lights, and creating a calm environment can relieve the mind and body of stress. Eating earlier in the day, staying hydrated, and doing yoga or stretches before sleep can also reduce chances of developing insomnia.
Hormone Therapy is the only treatment for menopause
Hormone Therapy is not your only option. There are a plethora of natural treatment options available for your consideration including diet, lifestyle, and exercise modifications, acupuncture, herbal supplements, and more! Before deciding to take hormone therapy, it may be beneficial to consider alternative treatments, so talk to your physician about what would be best for you.
Menopause occurs after 50
There are many reasons a woman could begin menopause before 50 and reach early menopause. Surgical treatments such as hysterectomies, genetic predispositions, autoimmune diseases, smoking, and other factors could make you more likely to undergo premature/early menopause. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post as we attack this subject in more detail!
More about Menopause:
- Menopause: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Why Does Menopause Happen?
- Menopause Across Age
- Menopause Treatments
- Hormone Changes during and Post Menopause
- How your Hormones Change Post Menopause
- Causes of Menopause: It’s not only about age
- Could menopause increase your risk of heart disease?
- A letter for mama | Your sexual wellness matters. With love, your daughter.
- Natural Tips to Manage Menopause
