Myths About Menopause & How You Can Help

To genuinely support the women in your life is to understand what goes on during menopause and the prevailing myths that harm their journey.

Stepping into new milestones is often riddled with excitement and positivity. Ceremonies such as birthdays and graduations are seen as markers of a chapter's start and end. And though most of these pages are filled with anticipation for the next, there comes a time when you may slowly dread what's up ahead.

Entering your 40's signifies a time when you discover newfound joys. But the new decade may also come with unpleasant feelings brought about by menopause. We've seen notable progress in how we talk about this significant transition through the years. However, there are still floating misconceptions around the subject that we've yet to resolve. So if you're looking for answers or you know women going through menopause and want to help them out, it's time to face these myths head-on.

Getting to know menopause

What many people might not know about menopause is that it's part of three phases: premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause. Essentially, menopause describes the second phase wherein women have not experienced their menstrual period for over 12 consecutive months. As their bodies stop ovulation and estrogen levels drop, women may start to experience various symptoms, from hot flashes to mood swings and trouble sleeping.

On average, menopause occurs at the age of 52. But these signs may also appear as early as their 30s and 40s, which can be considered their premenopausal stage. As they transition to postmenopause, these symptoms should gradually decline and allow their body to settle down. However, there's still a good deal of apprehension about menopause. And that is why many women choose to keep their loved ones in the dark about what they're going through. As such, they fail to get the support they need, and unhelpful myths continue to delay the progress of the conversation.

Bringing these myths to a pause

Let's aim to build a safer environment for the women we love. Here are some common misconceptions about menopause we need to break.

1. "All women experience the same symptoms."

Women's bodies come in various shapes and sizes, and so do the symptoms they experience. Hot flashes are perhaps one of the most common manifestations of menopause. But there are also many other indicators to watch out for. Aside from sleeping difficulties, some may also experience forgetfulness, night sweats, and aches and pains. As hormone levels fluctuate during this time, this can also take a toll on their energy and self-esteem.

2. "It happens in a snap."

Some people believe that menopause happens overnight once you reach a certain age. And this can't be farther from the truth. Premenopause can take as long as six to ten years before the body completely ceases ovulation. But even as their body settles down during postmenopause, it may also take an average of four to five years before the symptoms finally subside.

3. "Menopause causes depression."

Though many women report having depressed feelings during this transitional phase, menopause on its own does not directly cause depression. As hormone levels rise and fall, this may result in mood swings and irritability, which can severely affect one's emotional state. Luckily, the severity of these symptoms can be addressed with various treatments recommended by your doctor.

4. "You do not need your doctor."

Though menopause is a natural process in a woman's lifetime, this does not mean women don't need help from their healthcare provider. Although most women can go through the symptoms without professional intervention, severe symptoms or premature menopause may require a doctor's appointment to check what's happening in their bodies.

5. "There is no relief for menopause."

Although menopausal symptoms are inevitable, there are several ways that ladies can seek comfort. Eating healthy and doing regular exercise can minimize the effects of several symptoms such as low energy and body pain. As estrogen levels go down, women also become prone to calcium deficiency which can heighten the risk of osteoporosis. Fortunately, calcium supplementation is easily accessible to prevent further decline in calcium and bone mass.

Here's how you can help

Menopause is a transitional journey that many women should face in their lifetime. But this doesn't mean they have to do it all on their own. There are many difficult challenges that this new phase brings, which is why having a support system makes all the difference to help one get through. To start, here are some simple ways you can be a source of comfort for the women around you.

1. Bring out her self-confidence

Fluctuating hormones deliver mental and physical manifestations that can take a huge toll on women's self-esteem during menopause. Their skin may begin feeling dry at the same time that their hair is losing volume. And coupled with the mood swings, this phase can certainly make them feel at odds with themselves. The best thing that you can do at this time is to simply remind them of what they're capable of. Turn their attention towards what they can achieve despite the obstacles at the front. And most importantly, let them know that you have their back no matter what.

2. Let her know you're there to listen

Many women may feel that they need to carry the burden alone. Sometimes, they may not even have the courage to talk about their struggles. But even though menopause is a highly personal journey, it's also important to feel heard and understood. So even if they can't openly discuss what they're going through currently, let them know that your door is always open to listen.

3. Help her steer and navigate

Seeking help from doctors and other healthcare providers may seem daunting for women at the early phases of their transition. That's why they must have people around them who can sympathize and offer support. Help them make the first step to get the answers they need, and watch as they begin to regain their self-confidence.

Countless women deal with the effects of menopause every day. And sadly, there are not enough people around them who can understand. That is why we should start tearing down the misconceptions around this subject. Take your time to reach out to the women you know who are going through these changes. Initiate the conversation and let them know that though they may fear what's up ahead, you're with them to make it a celebration for new beginnings. — (MyPharma)