Myths, mysteries & misconceptions of menopause with Dr. Womack

Menopause is a natural part of life, yet myths, mystery, and misinformation often surround it. In a recent episode of Here’s to herHealth podcast, Dr. Beverly Womack, a local OB/GYN and faculty member for the MAHEC Boone Rural Family Medicine Residency Program, dove into the topic of menopause. Womack’s knowledge and approachable personality make it a must-listen episode for anyone wanting to learn more about menopause.

Here, we break down her insights to clear up some of the most common myths and misconceptions about menopause.

Understanding menopause

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and you’re officially in menopause after you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Most women hit this milestone in their 40’s or 50’s, with the average age being 51 in the U.S. (1) But keep in mind, it’s different for everyone. According to Womack, some women may go through menopause earlier, especially if they’ve had certain medical treatments or surgeries, while others might experience it later.

Menopause isn’t just a sudden change – it’s a gradual journey. Before you reach menopause, there’s a stage called perimenopause. It can start several years before your last period, and you might notice your periods becoming irregular. “Perimenopause is considered that time when our ovaries start doing erratic production of estrogen. So, they will make a whole lot, and then a few weeks later, they may be quiet for a week, and then in a month they will surge back again and start making estrogen,” says Womack. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a big role during menopause and their decline can lead to symptoms like those pesky hot flashes that make you feel like you want to crawl into the freezer, night sweats, or vaginal dryness.

Each stage of menopause comes with its own symptoms and changes as our bodies adjust to fluctuating hormone levels – and every woman’s experience can be completely different. Symptoms, duration, and intensity can vary widely. “It’s just an experience that you cannot define for all of us [women]. It is very individual,” says Womack, “We can’t treat everyone the same. That is why it is so important to have the conversation with your provider or someone you trust.”

Common myths

Myth #1: Menopause only affects your physical health

Menopause doesn’t just affect the body; it impacts mental health too. Women might experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression due to hormonal shifts. Recognizing these mental health changes as part of menopause is crucial for getting the right support and treatment.

Myth #2: Menopausal symptoms can’t be managed or treated

Menopausal symptoms can indeed be managed and treated – many women find relief through various approaches such as lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and non-hormonal treatments. Simple steps like staying active, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in weight-bearing exercises can make a big difference. Additionally, there are medications and therapies available that can help alleviate symptoms.

Myth #3: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is dangerous

HRT may have had a bad rap in the past, but Womack explains that it can be safe and effective when prescribed correctly. “Hormone replacement therapy can be a game changer for a lot of women that are particularly symptomatic,” says Womack. “[HRT] can come in a pill form, patch form, there’s a gel, and there’s a vaginal cream we sometimes use. The decision on which form to use is very individualized based on your symptoms and other health-related issues.” It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to understand what hormone replacement therapy is right for you, weighing its benefits and risks based on your individual health.

Menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life and is often misunderstood and surrounded by myths. “By addressing these myths and mysteries, women can navigate this transition and make informed decisions,” says Womack. She reassures that menopause is a natural process and doesn’t signal the end of an active, fulfilling life. “There is a whole other fabulous part of your life that comes after menopause,” she says, “It is a rather freeing moment once you are past it.”

For more information and support on menopause, talk to healthcare providers who specialize in women’s health and stay informed through reliable resources, like our podcast: https://unchealthappalachian.org/services/womens/heres-to-herhealth-podcast/.