Menopause and its Myths with answers

The menopause marks the time in a woman's life when her menstruation stops and she is no longer fertile or able to become pregnant. Many women experience a variety of symptoms as a result of the hormonal changes associated with the transition to menopause. There are a number of myth's associated with Menopause. Here are some of the myth's and their answers.

Menopause will weaken the bones:

Our body can rebuild new bone naturally at any age. Hence, the myth that the bones get weaker due to menopause may not hold good. Your bones continually adapt and only about 20% of your bone health is driven by factors outside of your control. Since 80% of your bone health is in your control, you can make choices to strengthen and take control of your bone health. There also also cases where bones weaken due to excess soda intake. So, menopause may not be the reason there.

Menopause only starts once you cross 50 years:

On an average the age of women attaining menopause is said to be 52 years, but that is just the average age. In reality premature menopause can start in women as early as in the late 30’s and menopause can come as late as in the 60’s, though this is less common. For most women, their menopause time frame lies more within the late forties to mid-50’s of age.

Your period will suddenly stop one day; thats a sign of Menopause:

Though this happens to a few ladies, this is no entirely true. But, yes, your periods gradually become sporadic. The menopausal transition, which can easily last 3 to 5 years, is all about the ovary fluctuating, sometimes it's overworking, sometimes it's underworking.

Menopause symptoms are only physical:

This is not true. The emotional strain on women is as much as the physical effect it has. Women tend to feel tired, depressed, irritable or struggle with memory concerns. Emotional symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance can wreak just as much havoc in women as the physical symptoms can. This phase is the time when you try and figure out what matters to you and what you want to be in the second half of your life.

Menopause is deadful:

Menopause is not a disease. It is just a change in the phase of life, just a transition to the next phase. So, do not be scared of it like a disease. It's not the end of everything, it's the beginning of another phase of life. Menopause may even come with some relief, the end of periods isn't such a bad thing, after all. For women who are really bothered about their menstrual abnormalities this could actually be a good news.

Weight Gain will not take place during Menopause:

Due to the consistent hormonal changes in the body during this phase, it is natural to put on weight. Though this may not be completely avoidable, there are ways you could control it. One of most effective things you can do to avoid weight gain is to eat well, as good nutrition will give your body the fuel it needs to heal and balance hormones naturally. Increasing protein while eliminating processed sugar and reducing carbohydrates will help to support your body in maintaining your weight.

...Divya