With months and years of living with the woman’s monthly cycle, the menstruation period, you should now be ready to bid goodbye to it. However, for several women, a forever goodbye to mood swings and cramps might be a relieving factor. But you should be ready to face the challenges of Menopause in terms of symptoms.
All women undergo the unique experience of stepping into a new stage. Still, society is mainly focused on the challenges of Menopause instead of marking it as a milestone that instills self-confidence and leadership qualities.
Consequently, the myths and misconceptions related to Menopause remain, which need to be dispelled to allow women and the others around them to comprehend this new cycle of life.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is a biological phase where a woman’s menstrual cycle comes to an end which usually begins during the age of 40 to 50 years. Although every woman’s experiences of menopause vary due to their symptoms, there are a few do’s and don’ts to be followed that let the change happen smoothly.
Common symptoms of menopause comprise sweating, weight gain, mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, and low metabolism. It might as well affect the cardiovascular system and mental health, causing depression for a few.
While it is indisputable that each body undergoes a different experience when hit by Menopause, successfully looking after these symptoms and handling the changes in the body can be annoying. However, certain myths about Menopause can be more annoying than it is in real.
Discussion on reproductive health is stigmatized, and menopause is no less. Menopause is a suppressed topic, it should not be. It is real. It is unavoidable. Sadly enough, discussions on Menopause are narrowed that resulting in myths and misconceptions.
Myths of Menopause
We’re busting some of the most widespread menopause myths to help you handle this significant and unavoidable life shift.
It Occurs After The Age Of 40
While most women get their Menopause at the age of 51, there is no particular set for it to come. It can be earlier or later. Also, the symptoms of Menopause do not have a set age group. It can either start from your early 30s or 40s or have no symptoms. It varies from person to person, and the cycle is unique for everybody.
There Is No Chance Of Pregnancy Before Menopause
It isn’t true, while a woman is still having her menstrual cycle, even though how abnormal her period is. You must continue taking contraception pills.
You should keep following your contraception medicines until you notice a stop in your periods for 12 continuous months. This gap of periods, if you are above 50, will make it evident that you have reached the stage of Menopause. If you face these symptoms before age 50, keep following your contraception routine for two years at a stretch. However, you should consult your gynecologist before taking any steps.
There Is No Treatment For Menopause
In spite of the fact that Menopause is not an illness but it is natural, there are ways that women adopt to get relief from the Menopausal symptoms. From checking their sleep patterns and trying to stay cooler to destress themselves. Moreover, changes in the lifestyle and usage of lubricants for vaginal dryness are effective for vaginal dryness. Trending hormone therapy is also an effective practice for handling the symptoms of hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Upon reaching your mid-40s or as you start experiencing irregular menstruation or symptoms of Menopause, it is necessary to consult your doctor to overcome the symptoms.
To Diagnose Menopause, Blood Test Is Required
The Perimenopausal or Menopausal symptoms are generally enough to ascertain the onset of the Menopause cycle. When you see other symptoms and a gap of one year of your menstruation, it usually results in Menopause. Hence, blood tests are not required but if there is early Menopause, then you might need it.
Decline In Sexual Desire
A lot of women experience a decline in sexual desire as they age but there is no such specific limit of sexual drive, and hence the factors create an impact on sexual desire. It is not known whether age or hormonal changes instigate sexual desire. However, mood swings and irregular sleep patterns can affect sexual desire.
Hormone Pills Needs To Be Taken
Hormone therapy is the easiest way to overcome Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. But there’s no need to take pills, which is frightening. You can also use acupuncture or lifestyle changes through exercises and a properly balanced diet to maintain your Menopause period.
You Will Definitely Gain Weight During Menopause
If you gain weight, it will be mostly around your waistline because of an estrogen drop. Nevertheless, it is not compulsory that you will gain weight. There is a gain in weight generally as you age because of slow metabolism. You need to exercise and maintain a diet to increase your metabolism.
Menopause Is The Same For All
Although the age group for most women to start Menopause is the same, the symptoms are not the same for all. The majority of women experience hot flashes and do not bother about it much, while on the other hand, it affects a few women so much that they are unable to sleep.
Conclusion
The Menopause period could be a mind-baffling time in a woman’s life, which worsens due to the absence of awareness related to Menopause. But empowering women during Menopause can result in a positive change in perception towards Menopause and understanding of the need for self-care. The contribution of several learning methods to expand the awareness of postmenopausal women and improvise their mindset to let them adapt to Menopause symptoms to improve their standard of living gradually are extremely important.
