Busting the Myths of Menopause: Let's Get Real

I hope this finds you well and that you are enjoying the beautiful summer. This week’s high has been around the mid-20s, which is a temperature I absolutely love. I wanted to take a moment to chat about menopause. There's so much misinformation out there, and I think it's high time we set the record straight.?

I remember hitting my 40s with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Life was in full swing – career, family, dreams – and then, boom! Things started to change in my body and my mind. I was clueless, and quite frankly, I think I was surrendering myself and blaming old age. The more I tried to understand what was happening, the more I realized how many myths and misconceptions there are about menopause. As a Career Transition Coach, my clients in midlife were speaking about their state of mind, and while I suspected it was menopause, I felt unequipped to help or support them. This is why a few years ago, I decided to become a Licensed Menopause Champion, where a whole new world of information opened up to me. Things started to make sense about me and the symptoms I was experiencing. I also realized that we are all very uniquely put together; for me, the worst was and still is in post-menopause. I know, I hear a lot of women in midlife say, oh, I’m done with menopause when, in reality, it is with us for the rest of our lives.

Let's debunk some of these myths together. I believe it is important that I partner with Dr. Kandis Lock, ND, who specializes in perimenopause. We put together a half-day retreat, and one of her talks will be on Menopause Management and Myths, where she will discuss them in more detail.? Check this link here for more details.

Myth 1: Menopause Happens Overnight

One of the biggest myths is that menopause is a sudden event. In reality, menopause is a gradual process. Perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, can start several years before your periods stop completely. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to various symptoms. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and everyone's journey is unique.

Myth 2: Hot Flashes Are the Only Symptom

While hot flashes are a well-known symptom, they're far from the only one. Menopause can bring a host of changes, including mood swings, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and even joint pain. In her book The New Menopause, Dr. Marie-Claire Haver lists 66 symptoms. It's important to recognize and address these symptoms to manage your overall well-being and quality of life.

Myth 3: Menopause Ends Your Sex Life

This myth needs to be put to bed once and for all. Menopause doesn't signal the end of your sex life. Sure, there may be changes, like vaginal dryness or a decrease in libido, but there are plenty of solutions and treatments available. Communication with your partner and seeking help from a healthcare professional can make a world of difference.

Myth 4: Weight Gain Is Inevitable

While hormonal changes during menopause can make it easier to gain weight, it's not a foregone conclusion. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and getting enough sleep are key factors in managing your weight. It's about making small, sustainable changes rather than drastic measures. These are my three guideposts for feeling good. Last year, I started weight training, revamped my diet and ensured I got a good night's sleep. I'm happy to report that today I slept so much better and lost weight.

Myth 5: HRT Is Dangerous

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been the subject of much debate and confusion. The truth is HRT can be highly beneficial for many women, alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life and longevity. It's crucial to have a personalized conversation with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks based on your individual health profile. Health practitioners specializing in menopause call it Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) because it’s not really about replacing what’s not there, but based on your unique needs, it is a therapy for your hormones.

Myth 6: Menopause Affects Only Physical Health

Menopause impacts both physical and mental health. Anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes are common and should not be overlooked. Seeking support through therapy, support groups, or talking with friends can help you navigate these emotional changes.

Speaking of support, I am beyond excited to share, as I mentioned above, that we're hosting a half-day retreat called "Give Yourself Permission to Rediscover Yourself" on September 21st. This retreat is all about embracing midlife changes and finding joy and balance in this new chapter.

Dr. Kandis Lock, ND, will address the myths of menopause in more depth and explain how to manage your symptoms effectively. Dr. Lock is a wonderful naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's health. She brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the table. She'll help us understand the truths behind these myths and offer practical advice to manage symptoms and improve our overall well-being.

The half-day retreat will allow for plenty of Q&A, so bring all your burning questions! We'll wrap up with a mindfulness meditation and a plan for the future to leave you feeling rejuvenated and empowered.

I can't wait for this event – it's going to be a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and support each other. Menopause doesn't have to be a solitary journey; we're all in this together.

If you know anyone who might benefit from this retreat, please spread the word. Let's create a community of strong, informed women who are ready to embrace midlife with open arms.

Here’s the link to sign up or view the details.?

Remember, menopause is just another phase of life, and with the right information and support, we can navigate it with grace, confidence, and a sense of well-being.

Wishing you a beautiful day ahead. Take care and see you soon!

Warmly,

Joanne

P.S. If you have any questions or just want to chat about your own experience, drop me a line or book a chat with me here. I'm here for you!