Myth 1: Menopause only happens after 50
Guess what? Menopause isn’t sitting around checking its watch, waiting for you to hit 50. It’s more like that friend who shows up unannounced. Menopause usually swings by between ages 45-55, but if it’s feeling particularly spontaneous, it might pop in earlier. The UK average age is 51, but hey, don’t count on it – menopause likes to keep us on our toes.
Now, if it shows up before 40, it’s called “premature menopause.” Think of it like that early guest who eats all the snacks before the party starts. It affects 1% of women under 40 and even fewer under 30, but still, it’s out there! And some women get hit with it before they’re 45. Thanks, Mother Nature!
Myth 2: Menopause starts when your period stops
Ha! If only it were that simple. You’ve got the perimenopause stage first – the messy dress rehearsal before the main event. It’s like your hormones are throwing a farewell party but no one told your period. It can last a couple of years or more. Imagine your period trying to figure out if it’s time to retire – sometimes it’s frequent, sometimes it’s irregular, and other times it just hits snooze for a while.
Perimenopause can start as early as your 30s, but usually over 40. Periods may go rogue – longer, shorter, lighter, heavier, and even play hide-and-seek. And don’t get me started on the night sweats, mood swings, or the magical appearance of chin hair. Thanks, hormones.
Myth 3: You can’t get pregnant
Surprise! Menopause isn’t your contraceptive BFF just yet. As long as Aunt Flo is still making appearances, you can still get pregnant. So, unless you’re planning a surprise midlife baby, keep using birth control until menopause is fully confirmed. Under 50? Two years post-period. Over 50? Just one year. There’s your menopause math for the day.
Myth 4: Menopause symptoms last forever
Good news! Menopause symptoms aren’t forever. It might feel like it, especially when hot flashes ambush you mid-Zoom meeting. Perimenopause symptoms tend to last four or five years (although in some cases, it can feel like it drags on for a decade). But eventually, your hormones will calm down – promise.
Myth 5: Hot flushes are all in your head
If only hot flushes were just a figment of your imagination. Sadly, they’re all too real – like a malfunctioning internal thermostat, your hormones are doing a bad job at temperature control, leading to sudden warmth that makes you feel like you’re auditioning for a role as a human furnace. Sometimes it’s a gentle glow, and other times it’s a full-on lava flow.
Myth 6: You’ll never want to have sex again
Before you panic, this one’s not necessarily true. Sure, menopause can mess with your mojo – oestrogen and testosterone might take a nosedive, and vaginal dryness doesn’t exactly scream romance. But for some, the libido bounces back, especially once they realize there’s no chance of an “oops” pregnancy. Relief = renewed interest. You might even discover a new sense of freedom. Just keep some lube handy – dryness is real, and nobody wants a ticket to Pain City.
Myth 7: Symptoms are purely physical
Wrong again! Menopause doesn’t just mess with your body – it can take your mood on a rollercoaster, too. One minute you’re fine, and the next, you’re crying at a dog food commercial. Low mood, anxiety, and brain fog can sneak up, making you feel like you’ve lost your mind, so reach out to your GP if things get too much – because hormones can be a real pain in the... well, everything.
Myth 8: Weight gain is inevitable
Menopausal weight gain is NOT your destiny – it’s just your metabolism being a bit of a stubborn.
As your oestrogen levels drop, your metabolism slows down, and suddenly that extra cookie feels like it’s sticking around for a while. But don’t worry – staying active and eating mindfully can keep things in check. So, grab some weights or hit the pool, and show that extra poundage who’s boss!
Myth 9: You’re forgetful because you’re getting old
Forgetfulness happens, but it’s not just because you’re aging. Blame those fluctuating hormones. Sleep disturbances, along with changing oestrogen levels, can mess with your brain’s ability to remember things. So, if you’re struggling to recall where you put your keys, it’s not just age – it’s also menopause playing tricks on you.
Myth 10: You just need to get on with it
No way! You don’t have to just “suck it up” when menopause comes calling. There are plenty of ways to manage your symptoms. From exercising to maintaining a healthy diet, to the power of meditation – you’ve got options! And let’s not forget HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) – it can help kick those hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings to the curb.
Check with your GP to see if it’s right for you.

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