Experiencing menopause? There are a lot of menopause myths out there, so we want to clear the air and lay down the facts.

Menopause Myths

MYTH #1: Menopause = irregular periods and hot flashes

Yes, irregular periods and hot flashes are hallmarks of the menopausal transition. However, there are lots of symptoms that occur much earlier than hot flashes and period irregularities that can clue us in to changing hormones in your 40s. Hot flashes typically start when estrogen starts to decline and fluctuate. But what happens before this is a decline in a different hormone—progesterone. This initial decline in progesterone can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, worsening PMS, and disrupted sleep.

MYTH #2: You need to get your hormones tested

The reality is hormones fluctuate dramatically during your 40s and 50s. They change week-to-week, and even day-to-day. If you test your hormones Monday, your levels might look quite different than if you test your hormones Friday. The way that hormones change during the transition through menopause is quite predictable, and the symptoms that occur during each stage of this transition are similar for many women. This makes the symptoms you are experiencing oftentimes a more reliable way to understand what is happening in your body hormonally.

MYTH #3: Hormone replacement therapy is the only answer

Hormone replacement therapy can be extremely helpful for some women, but there are also heaps of other tools you can use to support your body through this transition. These are things we talk about all the time here at Rather Be Well, and if you follow our content, you’ll see this information scattered throughout. Here are a few that make the top of our list: balance your blood sugar, build muscle, increase protein and fiber intake, take control of stress, and optimize sleep. 

See more tips and tricks on our blog.