Every woman will experience menopause, but there is still a lot of stigma, misinformation, and silence surrounding it. For years, we have been told to “just deal with it” while jokes about hot flashes and mood swings get thrown around.
But here’s the truth—menopause is a natural transition. It is not a problem to be hidden or laughed at. The physical changes will happen and will be seen, but the bigger issue is the way society treats women going through it. This shame and misunderstanding, often called “meno-shaming,” can make women feel embarrassed about something completely normal.
Let’s address the myths, challenge the misconceptions, and start having real conversations about menopause.
Myth 1: Menopause Happens Overnight
The Myth: One day, your period stops and menopause begins.
The Truth: Menopause does not happen suddenly. It is a natural process that usually takes place over months or years. This transitional period is called perimenopause.
- Perimenopause occurs with symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes. Menopause is official when 12 months pass without a period.
- Post-menopause is the phase after menopause, where new changeslike a shift in bone health can occur.
For many women, perimenopause sneaks up on them because no one talks about what to expect. Then, when symptoms start, they feel unprepared and anxious. The conversations about menopause can make it less scary.
Myth 2: Menopause Means You Are No Longer Feminine or Attractive
The Myth: You lose your freshness, attractiveness, and desirability when menopause strikes.
The Truth: Menopause does not define who you are, and what you can do to achieve what you want. But let us be honest-society makes aging feel like a countdown clock for women.
We see it everywhere:
- Older men are called ‘distinguished’, while women are labeled as ‘past their prime.’
- Wrinkles and gray hair are seen as signs of wisdom in men, but for women, they are flaws to hide.
This messaging can take a toll on self-esteem. But the reality is that many women feel more confident and comfortable in their skin after menopause than ever before. There’s freedom in not worrying about periods, birth control, or the ups and downs of hormones.
Myth 3: Menopause Makes You Moody and Unstable
The Myth: Mood swings, depression, and irritability are inevitable.
The Truth: Yes, hormonal changes can indeed affect mood, but menopause is not just one long emotional breakdown.
Women get labeled as ‘hormonal’ whenever they express emotions, whether they are teenagers, pregnant, or going through menopause. However, stress, lack of sleep, and feeling unsupported play a huge role in mood changes.
Many women feel isolated during this time because their feelings are brushed off. Instead of being told ‘It’s just your hormones,’ women deserve real conversations and support. Your emotions are valid, and help is available.
Myth 4: Menopause Ends Your Sex Life
The Myth: Once menopause hits, intimacy is over.
The Truth: While hormonal changes can affect libido, menopause does not mean the end of a fulfilling sex life.
Yes, changes like estrogen levels dropping can happen, which can lead to vaginal dryness or discomfort.
Many women report that they enjoy intimacy more after menopause, there is nothing to worry about pregnancy, cycles, or hormonal fluctuations getting in the way.
Myth 5: Hormone Therapy is Too Dangerous
The Myth: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is always risky.
The Truth: The fear around HRT is largely based on outdated studies.
Not every woman needs HRT, but for those struggling with severe symptoms like night sweats, insomnia, or bone loss, it can be life-changing when used correctly.
The key is personalized care, working with a doctor to find the right approach for your body. Women should not be scared away from treatments that could genuinely improve their quality of life.
The Bigger Problem: Meno-Shaming
Beyond these myths, there is a bigger issue—the shame and stigma surrounding menopause.
- Women are mocked for forgetting things (‘menopause brain’).
- They are told they are ‘Overreacting’ when they express frustration.
- Their symptoms are minimized, especially in workplaces.
This kind of treatment makes women feel isolated, embarrassed, and afraid to speak up. Menopause is not a disease, it is not a weakness, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
The more we have open conversations, demand better support and challenge outdated attitudes, the better life will be for all women.
What You Can Do:
✔ Educate yourself and others: Do not let myths dictate how you feel about your body.
✔ Talk about menopause openly: With friends, partners, and even in the workplace.
✔ Advocate for better care: Seek out doctors, therapists, or support groups that take your concerns seriously.
✔ Don’t go through this alone: There are numerous resources, communities, and professionals ready to help.
If you are struggling with menopause-related anxiety, mood changes, or self-doubt, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s create a plan that works for you.
Book a session today. (Link to Contact)
Sources
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) – (www.menopause.org)
World Health Organization (WHO) – Reports on menopause and women’s health (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause)
Harvard Health Publishing – Research on hormone therapy and menopause management (https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/revisiting-hormone-therapys-risks-and-benefits)
Mayo Clinic – Information on menopause symptoms and treatment (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes)
Psychology Today – The impact of Meno-shaming on mental health (https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/two-takes-on-depression/202007/the-relationship-between-menopause-and-depression)
