The Menopause Myth
It’s time to reclaim your power and pleasure in this often misunderstood transition.
Menopause. It's a word that has long been whispered in hushed tones, shrouded in fear and misinformation. Together with female sexuality, menopause has been seen as one of the last taboos – historically under prioritized, underfunded and under researched, the conversation around a life stage that affects half the population has not been openly discussed.
A result of this taboo is that menopause is often misunderstood, there are so many myths and assumptions about it, simply because as women we don’t normalize conversations about it, we don’t share our experiences enough from an honest and vulnerable place. So here are some of the myths of menopause, along with the actual facts.
Myth #1: Menopause is a disease, not a natural process.
Menopause is defined as the one day that marks the end of your menstrual cycles when you have not menstruated for 12 consecutive months, and like puberty a normal life stage in the aging process. It's not a disease to be vilified or feared. Yes, there are changes and discomfort but let’s shift the narrative and see it as an opportunity to empower ourselves with knowledge and upgrade our health to the best version possible.
Myth #2: Hot flashes are the only symptom.
Hot flashes are notorious, but they're just one piece of the puzzle. Anxiety, low mood, sleep disruptions, brain fog, and bone density changes can be part of the transition (both during and after it). In fact, there are over 34 different symptoms that we know of, yet you may not have all of these symptoms and they are not a foregone conclusion. Awareness of how these symptoms can show up and exploring medical and holistic solutions is key to support your physical and mental health in menopause.
Myth #3: Menopause means the end of your sex life.
Your sexual pleasure has no expiration date! In fact, many women report a newfound liberation and confidence in their sexuality after menopause. It's all about shifting gears and embracing the changes in our bodies and desires. Instead look at this as an opportunity for self-exploration and learning new pathways to pleasure and what lights you up.
Myth #4: Menopause makes you crazy.
While hormone fluctuations can contribute to mood swings, labeling women who experience menopause as "crazy" is not only insensitive, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes. As women we have been conditioned to be nice, accommodating and to suppress emotions such as anger, rage and sadness. Let's ditch the stigma and embrace the rich emotional landscape that makes us human.
Myth #5: You're over the hill once you hit menopause.
Menopause is only midlife! We have a lifetime of lived experience and wisdom still to contribute to new endeavors, the workplace and our communities. Menopause can be a time of incredible personal growth, a chance to redefine yourself, and step into your power with newfound confidence and wisdom.
So, how do we fight these myths and reclaim our narrative?
Educate yourself: Read books, listen to podcasts, follow educational accounts on social media, and talk to other women who have gone through menopause. Knowledge is power!
Challenge the stigma: Speak up when you hear harmful stereotypes. Let's normalize conversations about menopause and dismantle the taboos.
Focus on self-care: Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Exercise, eat well, get enough sleep, and find healthy ways to manage stress.
Connect with other women: Build a supportive community of women who understand what you're going through. Share your experiences, offer encouragement, and learn from each other.
Embrace your power: Remember, menopause is not a life sentence. It's an opportunity to redefine yourself, rewrite the narrative, and step into the next chapter of your life with strength, wisdom, and a whole lot of sass.
It’s time to rewrite your menopause story, for guidance and the tools to do this check out the My Menopause Storybox, a toolkit full of mind/body practices and journaling prompts to shift your mindset around menopause. Let's turn whispered fears into bold declarations of strength and empowerment. This is our time to reclaim our narrative, embrace the changes, and rewrite the script on aging with grace, humor, and a whole lot of pleasure.