Myths About Menopause

Any woman that has gone, or is going through, menopause can suffer typical but yet unique menopausal symptoms. Most have a wealth of information about 'what to do,' what they 'should' do, and what is going to happen when menopause strikes. This can be substantiated because many women can tell you about the fountain of knowledge possessed by men, friends, family and co-workers.

And to make matters even more frightening and confusing, then there's the old 'wives's tales' that seem to gain legitimacy! All the 'he said,' 'she said' invades the senses and many women allow themselves to believe the cruel and unjust innuendos and jabs of jokes.

Let's set the record straight! Women do not turn into menopausal monsters! There are changes, yes, but these changes do not make females any less women than they ever were! Perhaps the following can improve relations between men and women about menopause myths.

Menopause Begins at Age 50

Many men believe menopause begins bright and early one morning at the age of 50. This is not true! Menopause can happen at 40 years of age (even earlier), but usually begins somewhere around 53 years of age. The average span of menopausal symptom onset happens between 45 and 55.

And, in all fairness, menopause can be triggered by hysterectomy, ovarian removal, autoimmune disorder (related to poor nutrition and/or diet), or chronic stress (causing anti-ovarian antibodies).

She Will Get Crazy

Men also have been known to say things like, 'she was wacko most of her life, so she'll be really bonkers when menopause hits.' Some women sail through menopause without any noticeable changes. Some do not. Personal health, childbearing, family health history, dietary habits, tobacco usage, alcohol and self-esteem are big factors in how menopause affects a woman.

She's Gonna Get Fat

Presuming weight gain is going to be part of menopause is another myth. Many women never have hot flashes, and many actually lose weight through menopause.

Your Sex Life is Over, Dude

Over and over, men insinuate that women lose interest in sex when menopause strikes. Here's a news flash for you, Masters and Johnson, sexual researchers, have determined that a woman's sex desire has absolutely nothing to do estrogen levels. In fact, fewer than 20 percent of women report less interest in sex during menopause.

All Women Have Menopause Symptoms

For ages, men have believed all women have mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, depression, and more when menopause hits. But, actually, 15 percent of all women go through menopause without any symptoms whatsoever. Hot flashes are the most common, and affect about 85 percent of women.

Menopause Hangs Around for Two Years

Wrong again! Menopausal symptoms last anywhere from six to 13 years!

A Pill Can Cure Menopause

Not exactly, young man. Sure, some women need estrogen or hormone replacement therapy medicines, but a real wonder-drug is the man behind the woman! Try a little TLC, respect, support, and healthy self-esteem. You'd be surprised just how much love can improve the unavoidable changes within life.