MYTH #7: YOUR PERIODS WILL BECOME LESS FREQUENT.
TRUTH: Everyone is different. 'Women often find their periods become heavier to begin with and their cycles get closer together,' says Aziz-Scott. 'As you near menopause however, you may start to miss periods and have just three or four a year. Menopause is officially declared when you haven't had a period for a year.'
MYTH #6: HOT FLUSHES ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOM
TRUTH: 'Hot flushes are a common symptom that's easy to spot,' says Newson. ' It's the psychological symptoms that affect women the worst. Fluctuating oestrogen can affect mood. Unfortunately, this is often mistaken for clinical depression, and women are commonly prescribed antidepressants rather than HRT.' For women seeking alternative options, 'supplements of omega-3 fish oils, B-complex vitamins and black cohosh can help with anxiety and low mood,' says Kaikavoosi. 'Black cohosh can affect oestrogen levels, however, so discuss this with your doctor first.'
From zero sex drive to thinning hair - here are the facts about the eight biggest menopause myths.
What is the TRUTH about the MENOPAUSE?
For more information articles on the menopause select 'Banish the menopause middle' and 'Menopause management'by clicking on the link, or selecting them in the drop-down menu.
MYTH #4 WEIGHT GAIN IS INEVITABLE
TRUTH: Not is you make a few changes, says Aziz-Scott, 'As levels of oestrogen decline, you lose muscle mass and the body starts to store fat round your middle,' she says. ' This slows your metabolism, so it can become a vicious circle. Most women need to eat around 200 fewer calories a day at this stage of life. Eat plenty of nutrient-dense foods: antioxidant-rich fruit and veg, good amounts of protein, and complex carbs such as quinoa and brown rice. Watch your alcohol intake, too - cortisol levels tend to rise as we get older, so you may find yourself craving a glass of wine more often, but this is a sure-fire way to pile on the pounds.'
MYTH #3: IF YOUR PERIODS ARE REGULAR, YOU CAN'T BE MENOPAUSAL
TRUTH: You can still have periods without ovulating. 'If you're having symptoms that affect your everyday life, see your doctor - whether you're having regular periods or not,' says Newson. 'Our bodies use oestrogen in so many ways, and HRT can be extremely beneficial for treating symptoms associated with deficiency. If you've been put off HRT by scary headlines, rest assured, 'Body-identical HRT has not been shown to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer,' says Newson. 'What's more, it can help to safeguard your future health by lowering future risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.'
MYTH #2: YOUR LIBIDO WILL FLATLINE
TRUTH: 'Falling oestrogen and testosterone levels can affect libido,' says Dr Louise Newson, 'but often other factors are also to blame. A drop in oestrogen can cause the tissues of the vagina to thin, for example, which can make sex painful and urinary infections more likely. Many women also suffer from fatigue, so sex may be the last thing on your mind.' 'Where there's a will, there's definitely a way. 'Using a water-based lubricant during sex can help ease the irritation,' says Dr Laila Kaikavoosi, 'but oestrogen cream or pessaries are often required to treat the problem in the long term.'
MYTH #8: THE PERIMENOPAUSE LASTS A YEAR OR SO
TRUTH: 'The hormonal changes that lead up to menopause typically begin in your mid 40s,' explains Aziz-Scott, 'with the average age of menopause in the UK about 51 years. Studies show symptoms can last about 4 years from your last period. However, one in 10 women experience them for up to 10 years.' The good news is that menopause no longer marks the end of a women's best years (just ask J-Lo!). Thanks to a whole host of effective treatments, we can now enjoy at least a third of our lives looking and feeling great - and free from the tyranny of hormones.
MYTH #1: YOU MAY AS WELL HANG UP YOURTRAINERS FOR GOOD.
TRUTH: Don't even think about it, says Dr Ghazala Aziz-Scott. 'Regular exercise helps build bone strength and muscle mass - both of which decline as levels of oestrogen drop,' she says. 'Staying active also helps ward off middle-age spread, as the more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism will be. Combining cardio and weight training just 30 minutes five times a week could make a difference. If achy knees stop you from being as active as you like, speak to your doctor. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be helpful to supplement oestrogen levels.'
MYTH #5: YOU CAN WAVE GOODBYE TO GLOWING SKIN AND HAIR.
TRUTH: Dwindling oestrogen can make skin drier and thinner, says Aziz-Scott, so level up your skincare, 'A good moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid will help keep skin hydrated, while retinol can address hyperpigmentation. If you've noticed hair changes, decreasing oestrogen is probably a factor, but low iron could also be to blame, particularly if you're having heavy periods.' Diet is also important, says Kaikavoosi: 'Phytoestrogens in certain plants can mimic the effects of oestrogen, so eat plenty of beans, tofu and legumes to get the benefits.'
(SOURCE: Healthy magazine- Dr Ghazala Aziz-Scott, Dr Louise Newson, Dr Laila Kaikavoosi)