As women approach menopause, they often encounter a myriad of misconceptions that can affect their understanding of this natural transition. These misconceptions can lead to unnecessary frustration, fear, and much confusion. In this blog post, I’ll debunk five common misconceptions about menopause, and provide simple solutions to address them.
Misconception #1: Menopause is the end of a woman’s vitality.
While menopause does indeed mark the end of a woman’s childbearing years, it by no means represents the end of her vitality. Women everywhere can embrace this new season of life by focusing on healthy lifestyle choices, increased self-care, and pursuing activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Routines such as regular exercise, a balanced nutrition plan, supplementation to address deficiencies, and stress management can help maintain a women’s vitality through this transition.
Misconception #2: Menopause causes inevitable weight gain.
It’s true that hormonal changes occur during menopause and that these changes can affect one’s metabolism and body composition. However, that doesn’t mean weight gain is inevitable. Will you have to make some tweaks? Most likely. Will you be able to eat like you did when you were a teenager? Probably not. Do you have to give up everything you love in the name of menopause? Absolutely not!
My recommendation to feeling your best is to take a good look at how you are currently eating. Pay close attention to any side effects when you eat certain foods. Keep a food diary for a few days and keep track of any symptoms that occur. A majority of the time, my menopausal clients are not eating enough of the right foods. They are eating very little actually and skimping on protein and healthy fat intake. My most common recommendation is to eat more.
In addition to your new and improved eating habits, figure out a regular exercise routine. It should be one that feels good to your body. If cardio makes your body feel terrible do less cardio. Add more walking, Pilates, yoga and weight training to your routine. This will help manage weight and build muscle mass.
Consulting with a healthcare provider or nutritionist that specializes in menopause can provide personalized guidance. As with every other stage in life, we are all different and no 2 menopause journeys are exactly alike so you might need some individual guidance with your nutrition and exercise goals.
Misconception #3: Menopause is solely about hot flashes and mood swings.
While hot flashes and mood swings are common symptoms of menopause, it’s not every woman’s experience. As I stated above, each woman will have their own menopause experience that is unique to her. Menopause is multifaceted and can impact many aspects of health, including bone density, heart health, and sexual function. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or therapists can help women navigate these changes effectively.
Keep in mind, if the first doctor says “it’s just a part of life at this age” seek other support. Be an advocate for yourself. You know your body best and if you feel like something is off keep seeking other opinions until you discover the answers you are looking for. Functional medicine and naturopathy are good places to start. Be aware, insurance may not cover some of the tests they will perform but an investment in preventative health will be much cheaper in the long run than the cost of disease later in life.
Misconception #4: Menopause only affects older women.
Menopause typically occurs in women around their late 40s to early 50s, however, it can happen earlier due to factors like genetics, some medical conditions, or surgical interventions such as a hysterectomy. Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, can also begin as early as a woman’s 30s or even earlier. Recognizing that menopause can affect women at different ages and stages of life encourages early education and proactive management of symptoms, regardless of age. It’s essential for women of all ages to be informed about menopause and its potential impact on their overall health and well-being.
Misconception #5: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the only solution for managing menopausal symptoms.
HRT has shown to be effective for managing certain menopausal symptoms, however, it’s not the only option available nor is it the best option for all women. I highly recommend doing your own research and basing your decision on what feels right for you.
I highly recommend an audit on your current lifestyle and making note of areas that may not be supporting your menopause journey. No amount of HRT is going to change your bad habits. If you change your lifestyle first, you may find you don’t need HRT. So, make those lifestyle modifications first and add dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and non-hormonal medications when necessary.
It’s essential for us women to take an honest look at our habits and how they are affecting our well-being during this transition. We are so busy and stressed that sometimes we don’t even realize what we need to do until our bodies are shouting at us. It’s not your fault, one day you were 21 and now you are experiencing menopause symptoms. It happens. Take a deep breathe and decide to do better from this point forward.
Discuss your observations with doctors who have furthered their education in this area and decide what is best for YOU. I have had the most success with my naturopath. She asked lots of questions and really listened to my answers. I am not feeling 100 percent like my old self, however, I’m well on my way in just a few short months of working with her.
Understanding the truth about menopause and debunking common misconceptions can empower you to navigate this transition with confidence. By embracing the importance of self-care, fine tuning your health routines and finding the right support and treatment options you can optimize your health and vitality during menopause and beyond.
Need some support with lifestyle changes? Join my 6-week Menopause Mastery Challenge and discover what you need to succeed! Not quite ready to join yet, check out this blog to get you on the right track and reach out anytime with questions at [email protected].
All my best,
Christine
