The 8 menopause myths you need to know the truth about


Eileen Durward
@EileenDurward
Ask Eileen


16 March 2015

Read the full video transcription below

Hello I’m Eileen and welcome to A.Vogel Talks Menopause. I’m going to be talking about Menopause Myths today. There is so much information out there, that really isn’t true and I thought I would just go through some of the ones I have come across, that people tend to get very confused over.

Myth No. 1 – you will start the menopause at 50

Well this just isn’t the case. Every single woman will have an individual menopause and the average age is between 45 and 55, so you can start at anytime then. Some women will start a little younger and there are a few women who will actually start the menopause quite a lot later.

Now a little tip, it can be hereditary, the age that you actually start the menopause. So if you find out when your mum or your grandmother or your sisters or your aunties started the menopause that actually might give you a little bit of a clue.

But, there are certain things that can bring on an early menopause. Smoking can bring on an early menopause, certain chronic health conditions can also do it as well and if you are really overweight, that can actually trigger an early menopause as well, regardless of what age you would have had it normally.

Myth No. 2 – you’re going to put on weight during the menopause

Now this can happen, hormonal changes in the menopause can affect your metabolism. But if you think about it, when you are starting the menopause, say around about 45 to 50, your lifestyle often changes at that particular point. Now I get an awful lot of women who say ‘but I’m not eating anything extra’, but you may be sneaking a few things in here and there that can make quiet a big difference.

We’ve also got the fact that we tend to be a little more sedentary as we get older so we are not exercising, we’re not active as much as we used to be. So these things do need to be taken into account and it can be a combination of hormones, lifestyle and diet.

Now one of the things I actually recommend is to just slightly tweak your diet. There can be problems with carb metabolism when you start the menopause and I normally say, cut down on the carbs, go for less but go for really good quality wholegrains, up your protein a little bit because this is needed a lot during the menopause and increase your fruits and vegetables.

A lot of women find that just this little change can make quiet a lot of difference to keeping the weight off and being able to control it a lot more at this particular time.

Myth No. 3 – Your sex drive is going to get up and go

Now this is a bit of a tricky one because in theory falling hormones can lower your libido, but again it’s to do with lifestyle and what you are doing at this particular point in your life.

The menopause itself puts tremendous pressure on your body, which can cause fatigue. You can be running round like an idiot all day, a really busy job, you might have family as well, some women in the menopause tend to get low mood.

So if you put all this together, fatigue, low mood, just feeling really down, then no wonder you don’t actually feel like doing anything. Now herbs such as maca can often be really useful and our Menopause Support can help to balance oestrogen and that can be of help too.

Myth No. 4 – The first symptom you are going to get is the hot flush

Not true! 75% of women will get flushes but the other 25% of women will not get hot flushes or night sweats at all. Now a lot of women will actually get symptoms while they are still getting periods and these symptoms can include things like fatigue, low mood, joint pain, bloating, breast tenderness, irritability and very often because they are still getting periods, they don’t actually associate these symptoms with the menopause.

So if this is you, have a little think whether the symptoms you are getting are actually falling into this type of pattern.

Myth No. 5 – If you have your periods earlier, you’re going to have an early menopause and if you start your periods later you’re going to have a later menopause

This isn’t the case at all. It really depends on how many eggs you are born with to start with. So if you’re born with fewer eggs, you will have an earlier menopause, regardless of when you started your period and if you are born with more eggs, you will tend to have a later menopause.

Now certain things like pregnancy can be taken into account as well, and very often that will shift the age up very slightly as well.

Myth No. 6 – you’re only going to get physical symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats

Again this is not the case. You can get a whole combination of symptoms ranging from psychical ones to emotional ones as well, so you can get a real mix. And again, remember you are an individual going through the menopause and you’re not going to be the same as everyone else.

Myth No. 7 – by the time you get through the menopause and you have had all these symptoms, life is never ever going to be the same again and that’s it over

Believe me I do get a lot of women who think that is going to happen. Now for the majority of women, once you have been through the menopause and not had a period for a couple of years, your symptoms should start to tail off and the majority of women will start to feel fine again.

And if you look after yourself well – good diet, sensible exercise and plenty of rest and relaxation, then you can feel just as good, if not better afterwards and you have got a whole life to look forward to after that as well.

Myth No. 8 – every woman will get symptoms and every woman is going to face the most awful, terrible, nightmarish time through the menopause and there is no escape

Well luckily this just isn’t the case. The majority of women will get through the menopause with minor symptoms and sometimes quite happily as well. But what we have noticed is that those women, who take care of themselves, do tend to have an easier time through the menopause.

Now, to help support you through the menopause, just sign up to my regular emails that are full of easy tips and advice. Just sign up below…

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  • Meg's photo avatar
    Meg — 04.10.2017 18:36
    My mouth is dry and I think it looks weird when i speak. What can I do?

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 05.10.2017 09:56
      Hi Meg Dry mouth is quite a common menopause symptom often caused by falling oestrogen affecting the production of saliva. You may find a Sea Buckthorn Oil Capsule helpful for this. See www.omega.co.uk for more info. It is also a good idea to get a check up with your dentist for this as well.

      Reply

  • Teresa's photo avatar
    Teresa — 25.09.2017 05:42
    How long do menoupause support take to see a difference and is there anything else you can take for fatigue

    Reply

    • Eileen's photo avatar
      Eileen — 25.09.2017 14:19
      Hiya Teresa the Clinical studies have shown that it can take up to 3 weeks for best improvement to begin to show with the Menopause support tablets. Drink plenty of plain water through out the day to keep well hydrated. You could add in an additional magnesium supplement to help energy and tiredness. Check with the doctor to test for low iron, low Vit D or Low thyroid function as these can be issues that arise at the same time as the menopause symptoms. Just to rule them in or out first of all.

      Reply

    • Teresa's photo avatar
      Teresa — 25.09.2017 15:21
      That's very helpful thankyou

      Reply

  • Jane P's photo avatar
    Jane P — 20.09.2017 16:21
    3 weeks of taking Menopause support and Sage tablets, hot flushes and night sweats gone, not having long naps on my days off feel much better thanks I would like to ask if the phyto oestrogen from fermented soy is safe I am a bit confused , I have no history of breast cancer myself or in the family , have never taken any hormone contraception or HRT

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 21.09.2017 13:11
      Hi Jane Great to hear that this is working for you! Please don’t worry. We investigated this very fully before we launched Menopause Support, reviewing all the research and getting the opinion of the top researcher in this area. Fermented soya isoflavones, taken in the quantities we have in Menopause Support, are not associated with any increase in the likelihood of oestrogen-sensitive cancers (or any other types of cancer). If there were any likelihood of increasing the risk of any form of cancer then I can assure you that we would not market this product.

      Reply

  • Alison staniec's photo avatar
    Alison staniec — 20.09.2017 11:17
    Great advice I have a question can you take multivitamins and calcium with vitamin d while taking menoforce sage tablets and menopause support

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 21.09.2017 13:11
      Hi Alison Yes, it's fine to take all together, a good combination!

      Reply

  • Pam's photo avatar
    Pam — 04.09.2017 04:41
    Signing up

    Reply

    • Eileen's photo avatar
      Eileen — 04.09.2017 08:25
      Hi Pam, to sign up please enter your details above (under the Meet the author text) and click on sign me up.

      Reply

  • Folake Gbadamoshi 's photo avatar
    Folake Gbadamoshi — 17.08.2017 16:23
    Great advice and tips

    Reply

    • Eileen's photo avatar
      Eileen — 18.08.2017 08:12
      Glad to be of some help!

      Reply

  • therese's photo avatar
    therese — 17.08.2017 02:19
    I've been taking Agnus Castus to manage my moods in what I think is the perimenopause phase. Can I take this with Menopause Support?

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 17.08.2017 08:25
      Hi Therese Sorry, we don't recommend them both together as they do the opposite. What are your main symptoms and I may be able to recommend something suitable. Agnus castus is usually used in the peri-menopause when your periods tend to be heavy or close together or frequent along with mood swings, breast tenderness and bloating. If your periods are easing off, irregular or missing then Agnus isn't suitable and so it would be the Menopause Support.

      Reply

    • Therese Windle's photo avatar
      Therese Windle — 17.08.2017 19:03
      Thankyou, Eileen. It sounds as if Agnus Castus would be the best then. The main symptom I'm struggling to manage on top of those symptoms you mention is fatigue. Any ideas?

      Reply

    • Eileen's photo avatar
      Eileen — 18.08.2017 09:39
      Hello, You could try a Magnesium supplement along with Vit B complex for a few months, to help energy and support your nervous system. Ask the doctor to test for low iron, low vit D or low thyroid just in case these are issues too.

      Reply

    • Therese's photo avatar
      Therese — 18.08.2017 21:50
      Dear Elaine, Thankyou very much - I will give them a try as I've had the tests you mention and nothing showed up. Really appreciate your help!

      Reply

  • analisa's photo avatar
    analisa — 31.07.2017 16:36
    hi i am from the caribbean where no one talk about perimenapause/menapause so i am hoping you can help i am 47 with lots of anziety for no reason , bad indigestion ,strange body feeling went to the doc got &EKG done (normal) stress test(normal) pap smear (normal) thyriod(normal)bloods (normal)diebeties (normal) pelvic ednoviginal which show some sort of peri but still can convince my it is perimenapause i anm so confused when all these systoms come around

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 01.08.2017 10:20
      Hi Analisa Please could you let me know what is happening with your periods, have they started to change? Thanks.

      Reply

  • Vixie's photo avatar
    Vixie — 28.07.2017 18:42
    Super tired and exhausted all the time, joints hurt too.... Joy of joys, could be worse....

    Reply

    • Andrea's photo avatar
      Andrea — 29.07.2017 22:15
      Hi Vixie I can relate to that.I'm suffering with aching joints thinning hair had sleeping!!! Nightmare trial and error with finding the right hrt that works 4 me.xx

      Reply

    • Vixie's photo avatar
      Vixie — 30.07.2017 17:39
      Oh blimey ! not got that yet.... think I am lucky so far, we will see - if it gets any worse will check out the HRT route .... x x

      Reply

  • Emmeline's photo avatar
    Emmeline — 26.07.2017 09:43
    Just to submit a further comment ; my digestion is not good. I often appear dehydrated though I am aware that I am less active them I once was

    Reply

  • Emmeline's photo avatar
    Emmeline — 26.07.2017 09:35
    Think I am going through the perimenopause;have had a weak bladder, bloated tummy,night sweats , hot flashes, forgetfulness, panic, unable to sleep and I still get periods

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 26.07.2017 10:57
      Hi Emmerline Please can you let me know how old you are, thanks.

      Reply

  • Kerry Nichol's photo avatar
    Kerry Nichol — 25.07.2017 17:55
    I have problems with aching joints especially feet and fingers.

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 26.07.2017 09:55
      Hi Kerry Joint and muscle aches and pains are very common in the menopause. I have posted a blog on this and what you can do to help yourself so please do take a look. http://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/eileens-blog/2015/12/a-vogels-menopause-mondays-joint-aches-pains/

      Reply

  • Janis rayner's photo avatar
    Janis rayner — 20.07.2017 18:25
    Am I the oldest person not to have finished their menopause I'm 64

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 21.07.2017 09:29
      Hi Janice You are considered to be 'officially' through the menopause after not having had any periods for two years, and after that your symptoms should start to tail off. If you are still experiencing menopause-like symptoms (such as hot flushes or night sweats) after a lot longer then they may be due to other factors such as low iron levels, low thyroid function, low vit B12 or low vitamin D levels. It may be a good idea to ask your doctor to test for these just to rule them out. If none of these affect you then the symptoms may be an indication that your nervous system has been overwhelmed at some point. If you have had any stress over the last few years this can have a huge impact on your nervous system which doesn't resolve itself. Adrenal Stress causes many menopause like symptoms such as flushes or anxiety. If this is the case then it is important to do supportive work for the adrenals, such as taking magnesium and calming herbs such as Passiflora or Valerian.

      Reply

  • Simone johnson's photo avatar
    Simone johnson — 10.07.2017 12:26
    Very heavy periods blood clotting the first 2/3 days is this normal ?

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 10.07.2017 14:01
      Dear Simone, Heavy periods are common at the start of the menopause, however, they are not good for you. I would suggest that you get this symptom checked out by the doctor to clarify the situation. You may need some form of support. You could try a gentle liquid iron tonic for now.

      Reply

  • Melly 's photo avatar
    Melly — 10.07.2017 09:37
    I'm not sure if I'm peri or at the start of menopause. I feel incredibly hot (I know weather isn't helping as it's very hot and humid) Like I'm on fire. I'm sweating. I've never sweated in all my life til now. I don't have mood swings I'm very very tired and worn out. I stopped taking the pill about four or five months ago. Didn't have a period. I don't get night sweats. But I wake up and cannot move my limbs from swelling. My fingers and ankles won't work or bend. It takes me ages to try and get down the stairs. Is this peri or menopause. Is there a test. I have thyroid issues too and another forever illness too and high cortisol. I'm fed up with this all on top of illnesses.

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 10.07.2017 14:01
      Hello If you have other existing health conditions like thyroid problems these can make the menopause symptoms worse and vice versa. Your thyroid might be a little out of balance. I would ask the doctor to test your hormone levels and review any symptoms and dosage and medication for now. Then you can see what the next step is in terms of treatment or support

      Reply

    • Melly's photo avatar
      Melly — 10.07.2017 14:01
      Hi Mythyrpid is a little out. I only ha e half. I'm hypo hashi autoimmune As well as an neurological illness/PA autoimmune. The dosage is the best it can be for the thyroid otherwise will start pooling and go hypo/hyperthyroidism, which is not good for my heart. I'm with a very very good support group for thyroid and the knowledge and help is far far better than the endo that I've seen that know pretty much nothing in comparison and left me ill and with dangerously high cortisol level. How do I proceed with the issues I have with peri or meno or how do I know if I am or not at that stage.

      Reply

    • Eileen's photo avatar
      Eileen — 11.07.2017 12:52
      Hiya This is you into your menopause, Melly. There are a couple of things you can focus on to help with the symptoms you have now. Firstly, you are going to have to drink water for your county – this is true anyway in the menopause, but in the hot weather it becomes even more necessary. Aim for at least 1.5 litres of still, plain water daily (keeping it half an hour away from food). I’m sure you are very careful with your lifestyle and diet anyway, given your other health issues, but maybe look at nettle tea to also help with the stiffness and swelling, and you may find that a magnesium supplement is very helpful at this stage. The loss of oestrogen is making your joints less elastic, so exercise that is gentle and involves stretching rather than pounding is best.

      Reply

  • Pat 's photo avatar
    Pat — 02.07.2017 20:09
    Due to Gynae procedure eight years ago I've not had a period and now aged 54. How will I know if going through the menopause?

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 03.07.2017 13:15
      Hi Pat It is more difficult to tell how far through the menopause you are if you don't have periods. The best way to gauge is to see if you are getting any menopause-like symptoms and once these ease off then you are likely to be through it. You are in the average age group 45-55. If you are not getting any symptoms then you may be one of the lucky ones who have an easy time! You can ask your doctor to test your hormone levels too and this would usually indicate approx how far through you are.

      Reply

  • Carol 's photo avatar
    Carol — 25.06.2017 11:55
    Hi Eileen I'm taking black coohosh and sage together is that ok I'm still taking night sweats and flushes during the day they haven't made any difference the black coohosh stopped them for 6 months and they started again my body must of got used to them so I started taking menaforce sage I have been taking the sage for 6 weeks and haven't noticed any difference along with black coohosh

    Reply

    • Eileen's photo avatar
      Eileen — 26.06.2017 10:15
      Hi Carol, There's no problem with taking Black Cohosh and Sage together. It's a shame they aren't controlling your flushes - you could maybe try taking the tincture form of Menoforce, Menosan tincture, because that sometimes gives a stronger result due to better absorption. Best Wishes, Eileen

      Reply

  • Gail G.  's photo avatar
    Gail G. — 15.06.2017 12:19
    Need. Help

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 15.06.2017 13:16
      Hi Gail Would you like to email me with some more information such as how old you are, what is happening with your periods and what is your main symptom. eileen@avogel.co.uk

      Reply

  • Juliette's photo avatar
    Juliette — 13.06.2017 19:57
    Will the bloating joint pains breast tenderness disappear after you have reached full menapause i.e peiod ends totally ???

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 14.06.2017 09:50
      Hi Juliette Youa re considered through the menopause after two years without a period and most wome find that their symptoms start to tail off at that point. However, for some women the symptoms can go on for longer but this is often due to poor lifestyle, diet and stress - so looking after yourself well is really important! If your symptoms go on for a lot longer then it is best to see your doctor as other health issues may be a factor.

      Reply

    • Juliette's photo avatar
      Juliette — 17.06.2017 22:36
      Thank you

      Reply

  • Dawn Healey's photo avatar
    Dawn Healey — 07.06.2017 10:38
    I had a total hysterectomy but my surgeon agreed to leave me with one ovary so that I wouldn't experience clinical menopause at the time. I was aged 50 and am now 53. I think I was naive to think this would mean I wouldn't suffer the symptoms of menopause to any great lengths. How foolish was I? Night sweats, severe mood swings, tears, anxiety.... the list goes on! I don't know if one ovary makes any difference to 2? Is this usual? and I have only noticed this major effect in the last year. thanks

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 14.06.2017 09:50
      Hi Dawn Just checking to see if you got my reply as we had a slight problem with sending answers from here!

      Reply

  • Catherine Jones 's photo avatar
    Catherine Jones — 19.05.2017 14:38
    I had a partial hysterectomy at 35 So when do I know when this is going to end. At the moment I have been tapering off all my Meds with my doctors help. Mainly duloxotine, pregablin lanzaprozol. I have chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia high blood pressure and IBS My eyesight is going, no sleep irrational snapping at anyone,weeping for no reason. I feel a mess I am in full withdrawal from these I still take my blood pressure tablets. So as I do not have periods how will I know when this is going to end. I feel close to the edge here. I have quite smoking as well. Started on black cohosh and apple cider vinegar. But I sleep deprived I feel angry one minute Then freezing and then hot sweats then crying. What the heck is happening and how long is this going to last Please help

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 19.05.2017 15:23
      Hi Catherine Please can you let me know how old you are now, thanks.

      Reply

  • Angela Gillingham's photo avatar
    Angela Gillingham — 08.04.2017 17:48
    I am 48 and my periods have increased in frequency and heavier.Donyoubthink this is a sign of menapause?

    Reply

    • Eileen's photo avatar
      Eileen — 12.04.2017 12:13
      Hello, This is possible. Heavy or prolonged periods are common on the approach to the menopause. If they become too heavy it is not good for you. Ask the doctor to test your hormone levels to clarify this. You may need a gentle iron tonic or treatment to help.

      Reply

  • Mandy Harvey 's photo avatar
    Mandy Harvey — 05.04.2017 16:22
    Thanks, very helpful

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 07.04.2017 07:55
      Hi Mandy You're welcome!

      Reply

  • Rachel Collins's photo avatar
    Rachel Collins — 03.04.2017 09:42
    Thanks for all your helpful advice.

    Reply

    • eileen's photo avatar
      eileen — 03.04.2017 14:51
      Hi Rachel Glad to be of help!

      Reply

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