Don’t let the menopause horror stories fool you. This natural transition does come with its shifts and symptoms, but it can also be one of the most empowering and healthy times in your life. All you need is the right support!
Read on to debunk five common myths about menopause and learn how you can approach this beautiful transition with grace and ease.
5 Menopause Myths and the Truths Behind Them
1. Menopause starts in your 50s.
Truth: Menopause can begin anytime between your late 30s and 60s.
The average age of menopause is 51, but that doesn’t mean all women should expect to go through menopause during this decade. Every woman is different – and so are her hormone levels.
Rather than looking at averages and statistics, look to your mother or maternal grandmother. Whenever they started menopause is a better indicator of when you can expect to enter this next phase, too.
2. Only women go through “the change.”
Truth: Many men also go through a significant hormone transition as they age.While it’s true that only women go through “menopause,” men have their own version of sex hormone decline: andropause.
Andropause (also called testosterone deficiency syndrome or “man menopause”) occurs when a man’s natural testosterone levels decline, usually after the age of 40. Symptoms of andropause include low sex drive, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, irritability, mood swings, depression, and erectile dysfunction.
In many ways, menopause and andropause are two sides of the same coin. As hormone levels decline as we age, both genders experience similar symptoms. Unlike women, men retain their reproductive ability, and their symptoms tend to be less noticeable.
For men who do experience andropause symptoms that interfere with their quality of life, there are solutions. Hormone replacement therapy and natural treatments help support healthy hormone levels and improve energy, libido, and vitality.
3. Menopause symptoms are just part of life.
Truth: Symptoms that interfere with your quality of life are not normal and should be addressed.
However, severe symptoms that interfere with your quality of life are not normal. When hot flashes constantly interrupt your day, night sweats leave you drenched, and anxiety keeps you from enjoying the things you used to love, it’s time to seek help. The good news is that nearly all menopause symptoms are treatable and temporary.
4. You can say goodbye to your sex life after menopause.
Truth: Post-menopausal women have just as vibrant a sex life as younger women (and maybe even better!).
If menopause has zapped your sex drive, or you want to prevent a slump in libido when the time comes, don’t worry. From lubricating gels to nutritional supplements to meditation practices and more, you’ve got options to keep the fire burning.
5. Hormone replacement therapy is the only effective way to overcome hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause symptoms.
Absolutely not! There are plenty of natural and holistic treatment options available for women who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy. The good news is that these options are safe, have a low risk of side effects, and can be just as effective as traditional hormone therapy.
- Bio-Identical hormone therapy
Bio-identical hormone therapy uses hormones derived from plants to restore your natural balance of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and other adrenal hormones. This therapy offers a more natural approach to hormone therapy than traditional hormone replacement.
Bio-identical hormone therapy can be an effective natural way to reduce symptoms such as breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, cold flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, difficulty sleeping, irritability, mood swings, depression, and other common menopausal symptoms.
At Moringa Natural Health Center, we first test your hormone levels to determine where your body is at, and what needs to be addressed from a holistic perspective. Then, we supplement with plant-based hormones to bring the body back to balance.
- Nutritional support
Then, replenish your plate with foods that support a healthy hormone balance. Studies show that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, and a low-to-moderate amount of carbohydrates may lead to fewer menopause symptoms and better overall health.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an effective way to manage menopause symptoms. Studies show that it can significantly reduce hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and weight gain. It does so by helping the body naturally balance hormones.
- Herbal Medicine & Supplements
Herbs and supplements offer a natural way to combat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and insomnia. Common menopause herbs include black cohosh, red clover, dang gui, evening primrose oil, and valerian root.
Much love,
Dr. Lena Fernandez
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