5 Menopause Myths Debunked. October 18 is World Menopause Day, a holiday started to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around menopause. It’s also a day to share information and offer support to those experiencing menopause. At Upstate Mary, part of our mission is to help facilitate more conversations around menopause, helping women navigate and even honor this transition period. We even discovered some positive benefits along the way. To celebrate World Menopause Day, we’re debunking some myths about the little-discussed topic.
Myth 1: Menopause only happens to women over 50
Yes, the average age women start menopause is 51 years old, but it can actually start much sooner. Most women stop having their period between 45 and 55 years of age, with ovary functioning declining years before that for some. Other women will continue to have periods into their late 50s.
Myth 2: Hot flashes are unavoidable
It’s reported that up to 80 percent of women experience hot flashes! While they are the most common side effect of menopause, there are a few things you can do to lessen your frequency, including: avoiding spicy food, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, lowering your stress levels, and staying in cooler environments.
Myth 3: Your sex life is over
This is a major myth that needs a big debunking! While low libido and dryness are common menopause symptoms, that doesn’t mean there’s no sexy time in your future! A CBD-infused lube can help ease pain, increase moisture, promote relaxation, and set the mood for intimate moments. For our founders, it’s been a life saver for keeping the pleasure alive.
Myth 4: Symptoms are only physical
You’ve probably heard all about the physical symptoms: weight gain, hot flashes, headaches, trouble sleeping, and joint pain. But menopause can also cause some emotional symptoms, too. It’s common to have anxiety, feel depressed, or experience mood swings during this time, too. Connecting to others and asking for support can help ease these emotional challenges, or at least help you understand you aren’t alone in this journey!
Myth 5: Menopause symptoms don’t last long
There’s a common misconception that menopause symptoms last about a year and then disappear. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Menopause is not sudden, and comes on slowly, lasting about 7.4 years. While the experience is different for everyone, a transition of several years is to be expected.
Want more on menopause? On November 7th, 2024, we’re hosting a film screening of The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, a groundbreaking documentary striving to break the menopause stigma. Get your tickets and help us continue the conversation.
ABOUT UPSTATE MARY
At Upstate Mary, we're all about the power of plants. Formulated with full-spectrum CBD + MCT coconut oil and a blend of organic botanicals, our products offer soothing and stimulating effects. Like your gut, your vagina has its own microbiome and it can be very sensitive. We use organic botanical ingredients, so no disruptors here!
Our Farm to Bedroom™ collection isn’t just for special occasions, one-night stands or mind-blowing orgasms; although we’re here for all of that! We're committed to being the new go-to for our perimenopausal and menopausal friends too. Our collection of CBD lubes and suppositories can help address a range of needs, from relieving pelvic floor pain to enhancing blood flow + daily lubrication to offering postpartum care. We're here to support every body.