6 misconceptions about menopause that it's time to put them aside

Menopause doesn't necessarily mean gaining weight, ending your sex life, or being unable to conceive. Many women do not have accurate information about body changes in middle age, and this can lead to worry, wrong decisions, or taking useless supplements.

Ambassador Arjan - Maryam Shirafken: Women's health experts say it's time to put aside 6 common beliefs about menopause, and by knowing the body better, go through this natural stage of life more consciously.

1. Menopause happens to all women at the same age

One of the common beliefs is that all women go through menopause at a certain age; But the fact is that the starting time of this period is different for different people.

The average age of menopause in the United States is about 52 years, but many women experience symptoms of the transition to menopause as early as their fourth decade of life.

A distinction should be made between perimenopause and menopause. Premenopause is the stage when hormonal changes and menstrual irregularity begin. Menopause is confirmed when a person does not have menstruation for 12 consecutive months and there is no other reason for this condition.

2. Menopause means the end of sexual life

Menopause does not mean the end of sex drive or the inability to have a satisfying relationship. However, decreased estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, decreased natural moisture, changes in sexual sensations, and pain during intercourse.

Sleep disturbance, mood swings and physical changes may also affect libido.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for many of these problems. Women can consult a doctor about the treatment of vaginal dryness, hormonal or non-hormonal options, and ways to improve the quality of sexual life.

3. During menopause, pregnancy is no longer possible

Declining fertility with age does not mean the complete loss of pregnancy. During perimenopause, even if menstruation has become irregular, ovulation may still occur.

Therefore, as long as menopause has not been definitively confirmed, there is a possibility of pregnancy, and if pregnancy is not desired, a doctor should be consulted about the appropriate method of prevention.

Irregularity of menstruation is also not a reliable method to detect days without risk of pregnancy.

4. A blood test alone determines menopause

Many women think that they must take a blood test to diagnose premenopause or menopause; But in most cases, examining the symptoms and changes in the menstrual cycle is enough for diagnosis.

The doctor usually considers age, menstrual history, and symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances. Hormonal testing is not necessary in all women; Because the level of some hormones fluctuates a lot during this period, and the result of a test may not provide an accurate picture of a person's condition.

However, in certain circumstances, including early menopause or unusual symptoms, your doctor may order additional tests.

5. Supplements can completely treat menopause symptoms

The supplement market for middle-aged women is full of products that promise to reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, regulate hormones, or prevent weight gain. But no supplement can be considered as a definitive treatment for all menopausal symptoms.

Some supplements may be helpful for certain conditions or nutritional deficiencies, but the effectiveness and safety of all advertised products are not equally proven.

Just because a product is labeled as "menopause" doesn't necessarily mean it's more effective than regular supplements. Some products may also interact with medications.

It is better to consult a doctor before taking herbal or hormonal supplements, especially if you have an underlying disease or are taking medication.

6. Menopause alone causes weight gain

Belly fat gain in middle age happens to many women; But attributing all weight changes to menopause is not a complete explanation.

Hormonal changes may affect the location of fat storage and increase fat accumulation in the abdominal area. On the other hand, aging is associated with a gradual decrease in muscle mass; A change that can affect the amount of energy consumed by the body.

Therefore, changes in weight during this period are usually the result of a combination of factors, including aging, changes in body composition, amount of physical activity, sleep and eating habits.

The important thing is that weight gain in middle age is not inevitable and you can help maintain good health and body composition by modifying your daily habits.

How to spend menopause healthier?

Experts recommend a few strategies to help manage symptoms and stay healthy during perimenopause and beyond:

Take sleep seriously: Sleep problems are common during this period. Modifying sleeping habits and, if necessary, receiving specialized treatment can help improve sleep quality.

Manage stress: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga may help reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Do strength training: Weight or resistance training helps maintain muscle mass and bone health. Combining strength training with regular aerobic activity is a good choice for overall health.

Consider hormone therapy if needed: Hormone replacement therapy can be effective for some women, especially in managing symptoms such as hot flashes; But its selection should be done according to the symptoms, medical history and risk factors of each person and with the doctor's opinion.

Menopause is not the end of health and vitality

Menopause is a natural stage of life, not a disease that all women have to go through with worry and suffering. Recognizing body changes, avoiding false beliefs and using evidence-based solutions can help women experience this period with more peace and awareness.

If menopause symptoms are affecting your sleep, relationships, or daily activities, seeing a doctor can be the first step in finding the right solution.