7 Myths About Menopause

Today is World Menopause Day! This is a day set aside to raise awareness and education around menopause and to provide individuals with accurate information to best support those going through the menopause. As I led menopause training sessions today, I was reminded of the fact that for many, menopause can be confusing. For some, it can feel shameful and for others, there has been a lack of information available. It's time to change that! We don't have to suffer or struggle through this time period. We don't have to remain silent. And, we can break down taboos and myths associated with menopause. My own menopause journey was frustrating. I hit early menopause and had no idea why I felt so irritated, anxious, angry, tired and foggy. Oh, and there was also the heavy flooding bleeding (there, I said it), in which my GYN blew me off to say, "It's normal." I felt this way for years until I went to see my GP, thinking I had cancer or something really bad. That visit was so scary for me! You can imagine my shock when she told me I was not only going through menopause, but was on the other side of it (post menopause). I was at the young age of 42. Yes, 42 years old and post menopausal. Here I thought my night sweats must have been my flannel sheets! I still chuckle at that one. Unfortunately, my story is not unique. That's why I'm sharing and why I'm breaking down fact versus fiction: Fiction: - Menopause is for old women in old age - Symptoms show up once you've hit menopause - Everyone's symptoms are the same - Blood tests can easily confirm whether you're in menopause - You have to take HRT in order to feel better - HRT is dangerous - I have to diet in order to lose weight once I've hit menopause Fact: - Perimenopause begins on average at the age of 41 (but can happen as early as the age of 12 - about 1% reach premature menopause between the ages of 12-40) - Symptoms begin to present in perimenopause when hormones begin to shift - There are 34 symptoms that can present - everyone is different and will experience these in a different way (1 in 4 people won't experience any symptoms at all) - There are 4 areas in which symptoms can be managed: medical, complimentary, lifestyle, mindset - For most people under the age of 60, HRT can be a very safe option - Lifestyle changes are more important that dieting - finding a balance of health eating, movement, reducing alcohol and caffeine can have a great impact on overall well-being The other thing I've learned now that I'm in my late 50's, is that this time of life is fabulous! Once I learned how to manage my symptoms, I feel more free than I have in years: - I don't care what others think - There's no more comparison - I'm confident in my skill set - I know what I want and don't want - The simple things in life are what's most important - I feel good in my body - I am free to explore new opportunities - I'm not afraid to try new things So, if you are going through menopause, know that there is help AND this time in life can be a very empowering experience. Go get 'em, girl!