Ten myths about menopause

Menopause is a time when women experience physical and emotional changes, typically occurring, though with considerable variability, between the ages of 45 and 53. It's a phase that should be normalized; women should approach it without fear and maintain a positive attitude toward the new sensations. The vast majority of women, 85%, reach menopause naturally, while the remainder do so through surgical interventions.

These changes can sometimes be dizzying, even frightening, especially those that have implications for a woman's own identity. We're talking about self-image and the socially imposed image of what a woman is and isn't at this stage of life, how she should present herself, and what her social role should be.

Experiencing menopause as an opportunity

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It remains a vital stage surrounded by stigma and preconceived, often false, ideas that need to be clarified in order to fully embrace this moment of life.

So let's debunk 10 myths about menopause :

1. Sex is over.
   Not at all. Sexuality simply changes. The vagina loses elasticity and lubrication decreases. We no longer have an active menstrual cycle to stimulate desire. We have to rediscover sexuality, but it's a basic human capacity that, with care, we can enjoy throughout our lives.
2. I will have cardiovascular problems.
   This is not the case. Cardiovascular problems increase with age, in both men and women, but this is not related to hormonal changes and is instead linked to general health habits.
3. I will be at greater risk of having a mental health problem.
   The risk of having a mental health problem at this stage of life is related to aspects such as socioeconomic, family or emotional conditions or having had a mental health problem previously.
   It is true that this new stage of life represents, for many women, a time of reflection on their life story and their immediate future, but this reflection does not in itself constitute a mental health problem.
4. I am now an older woman.
   No. You're older, but not an old woman.
5. I will have all the symptoms.
   The onset of menopause symptoms is different for each woman, both in the number of symptoms and in their frequency and duration.
   It's important to know the symptoms and how to manage them, but the experience is entirely unique for each of us. Some people don't have any symptoms or have very few.
6. I need hormone treatment.
   Hormone therapy to relieve menopause symptoms is a choice made by the woman herself.
7. I will get osteoporosis.
   Not necessarily. Osteoporosis is caused by a decrease in bone mass. Menstrual hormones, estrogens, help the body absorb calcium from food. However, the development of osteoporosis is due to more than just the absence of menstruation; other factors include calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, alcohol and tobacco use, genetics, dietary factors, and prolonged use of certain medications, among others.
8. I don't need to have any more gynecological checkups.
   Gynecological check-ups should always be done, regardless of the person's stage of life.
9. I'm no longer attractive.
   Having or not having menstruation has nothing to do with a person's personal attractiveness, which, moreover, goes far beyond physical appearance.
10. I will have urinary incontinence.
    This isn't true either, as not all women have poor pelvic floor tone. You can seek an evaluation from a specialist who can help you strengthen the area and, if you experience leakage, provide treatment to resolve the issue. Let's not just accept urinary incontinence!