Are These Myths of Menopause True?

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. Despite its common occurrence, many myths and misconceptions about menopause persist, leading to unnecessary fear and confusion. Read on as Dr Lau Pik Onn explains further in this article.

A widespread myth is that the age at which you will experience menopause is predetermined by your mother’s age at menopause. While genetics do play a role, several other factors can influence the timing of menopause.

Other factors affecting the timing of menopause:

• Smoking
• Autoimmune disease
• Prior chemotherapy treatments
• Age at menarche
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Number of pregnancies
• Physical activity levels
• Consumption of polyunsaturated fat
• Consumption of alcohol

Many believe that hormone therapy (HT) is the only effective way to manage menopause symptoms. While hormone therapy can be beneficial for some women, it is not the only option available.

Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) has been shown to reduce symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and is considered safe for many women in their 40s and 50s. However, it is essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks.

Other non-hormonal strategies can also help manage menopause symptoms. These include:

• Relaxation techniques
• Avoiding smoking
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
• Eating a healthy diet
• Staying physically active
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Menopause involves a decrease in ovarian hormones, particularly oestradiol, a form of oestrogen that plays a crucial role in brain function. Research has shown that oestradiol is directly related to changes in memory performance and brain circuitry involved in memory regulation.

Symptoms such as hot flushes and poor sleep quality experienced during the perimenopausal stage also have an impact on memory performance. Although menopause can have a negative impact on your memory, there are still lifestyle factors such as staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep and engaging in mental exercises that can significantly support brain health during this time.

Menopause is a significant life transition that comes with various physical and emotional changes. We hope to provide a clearer understanding of menopause and empower women with accurate information to better manage menopause. Remember, each woman’s experience with menopause is unique, and it is essential to seek personalised advice from healthcare professionals to navigate this stage of life effectively.

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