World Menopause Day 2024: Some myths related to menopause; Know the actual truth

Over the course of her life, a woman goes through many stages. She has to deal with a lot from the start of her periods to menopause. After a certain age, all women have to go through the natural process of menopause. Because of this, World Menopause Day is observed annually on October 18 in an effort to raise awareness of the issue.

Many people's perceptions of it are still influenced by all kinds of rumors and misconceptions. In regard to this, Dr. Aastha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, will correct some popular myths about menopause in this article.

Some Popular Myths With Actual Truths:

Myth 1- Menopause begins at the age of 50.

Truth- Menopause can occur earlier or later, although it is most common between the ages of 45 and 55. Some women may experience menopause before the age of 40 due to medical operations, genetics, or other causes.

Myth 2: During menopause, one has to gain weight.

Truth- Gaining weight is common during menopause, which may be due to hormonal changes; this is not an unavoidable thing. Under these circumstances, proper handling of stress, regular exercises, and a good healthy routine diet may help one keep a good level of weight.

Myth 3- Does menopause strike suddenly overnight?

Truth- That is completely wrong. Menopause happens gradually. This transition is called perimenopause, can start many years before a woman reaches to menopause. After this woman gets menopause in which periods do not come continuously for 12 months, Its symptoms can also start from age 40.

Truth 4-It is not necessary to pay attention to your reproductive health after menopause. Truth- This is a wrong way of thinking as reproductive health should be looked after even after menopause. For this, regular checkups related to pap smear, breast examination and monitoring of bone health should be done.

Myth 5: Menopause marks the end of a woman's sexuality.

Truth - Sexual intercourse does not need to cease after menopause. Many women can continue an active sex life if there is proper treatment of any physical discomfort.

Myth 6- The only symptom of menopause is hot flashes.

Truth- Menopause brings along a bunch of symptoms, including vaginal dryness, mood swings, night sweats, and changes in sexual desire, aside from hormonal fluctuations. Not every woman must deal with each of these symptoms.