6 Things You Probably Never Kever Knew About Menopause

Common myths give way to science-backed truths that reframe this natural life chapter.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 22, 2025

Common myths give way to science-backed truths that reframe this natural life chapter.

6 Things You Probably Never Knew About Menopause

Menopause marks a significant phase in a woman’s life, yet it remains shrouded in myths, taboos, and surprises. Although millions of women experience this transition every year, many aspects of menopause are overlooked or misunderstood. This article addresses six surprising things you probably didn’t know about menopause, based on insights from medical experts, scientific research, and personal stories from women who’ve gone through it.

1. Menopause Isn’t “Ovarian Failure” — It’s Evolutionary

Contrary to society’s tendency to label menopause as some sort of failure or disease, medical experts emphasize that menopause is a normal biological process and may even be an evolutionary adaptation. Menopause is not an illness, but rather a stage that played a key role in human development. Anthropological research suggests that our ancestral grandmothers, post-menopausal women, were crucial for the survival of human communities, acting as caregivers and wisdom keepers.

To further understand the unique experiences that women face during this transition, be sure to read our detailed article on 7 Things Only Women Going Through Menopause Truly Understand. Gaining insights from real stories can empower you and shed light on the shared journey.

Menopause is a built-in part of human life, not simply an abrupt malfunction.
This “post-reproductive” phase allowed older women to contribute meaningfully — so menopause may have helped families and society thrive over generations.
Experts urge women to reject outdated narratives and see menopause as a natural transition, just as important as puberty.

Viewing menopause as a valuable adaptation helps normalize the experience and encourages women to seek support rather than suffering in silence.

2. Menopause Should Be Talked About — Openly

For generations, menopause was shrouded in secrecy, treated as something shameful or “embarrassing.” But open conversations are transforming the menopause experience for many women today.

If you’re looking to delve deeper into managing this transition, check out our guide on Navigating Menopause: Understanding the Middle-Age Transition. It provides practical steps for effective communication and support during this critical life stage.

Breaking the taboo empowers women to seek help and treatment, and supports friends and colleagues.
Talking about menopause validates both physical and emotional symptoms, reducing anxiety and isolation.
Sharing stories can reveal the diversity of experiences — not all women suffer severe symptoms, and some have positive or even liberating experiences.

“Bodies change,” explains Dr. Karla Robinson, emphasizing the need to shift cultural conversations so women can advocate for themselves and improve quality of life.

3. Symptoms Go Beyond Hot Flashes (and Can Start Earlier Than You Expect)

For many, hot flashes are the headline symptom, but the reality is that menopause involves a broad spectrum of changes, and symptoms often begin during perimenopause, the transition years before periods stop.

For a more comprehensive understanding of these changes, explore our article on How Menopause Changes Your Body: A Comprehensive Guide. This piece highlights the physiological aspects behind each symptom and offers strategies for coping effectively.

Common symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, and period changes.
Surprising symptoms: Sleep disturbances, mood swings, joint pain, heart palpitations, and memory lapses.
Some women report symptoms as early as their mid-40s (and rarer cases, much earlier), while others have few truly bothersome issues.
Symptoms aren’t always severe or permanent: For many, the worst symptoms last only during the menopause transition, and fade over time.

Symptom	Typical Onset	Other Causes
Hot Flashes	Perimenopause	Stress, thyroid changes
Sleep Disturbances	Perimenopause	Anxiety, ageing
Vaginal Dryness	Menopause	Medications, low estrogen
Mood Swings	Any stage	Depression, life events
Forgetfulness	Menopause	Sleep loss, stress

A key takeaway: if you’re experiencing odd bodily shifts, unexplained anxiety, or new aches and pains, it may be worth considering menopause as a source.

Learn about the initial warning signs by checking our resource on Recognizing the Early Signs of Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know. Understanding these signs can empower you to seek timely support and resources.

4. Menopause Impacts Your Long-Term Health

Menopause isn’t just about short-term symptoms. The hormonal changes set off by menopause elevate risks for certain diseases, especially those related to aging.

Risks for cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, stroke) and osteoporosis (bone thinning) rise after menopause.
Estrogen protects the heart and bones; when levels decline, women lose that protection.
Accumulation of fat around the heart (“pericardial adiposity”) increases with menopause, raising cardiovascular risk.
Hot flashes and night sweats have been linked to changes in brain scans associated with higher cerebrovascular risk.

Experts recommend regular exams, smart diet choices, and attention to bone and heart health — weight-bearing exercise and resistance training help maintain muscle, bone strength, and brain health.

It's vital to stay informed about the broader implications of menopause. Make sure to read our article about Four Essential Truths Everyone Should Know About Menopause. It provides critical insights into managing long-term health risks associated with this transition.

Get enough calcium and vitamin D. However, high-dose supplements don’t always help. Recent research found that vitamin D does not significantly prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Focus on whole body wellness, and discuss menopause-adjacent issues, like thyroid health or cardiovascular screening, with your doctor.

5. Sex and Intimacy: Menopause Changes the Conversation

Menopause brings changes to sexual health and the experience of intimacy — but it doesn’t mean an end to pleasurable sex.

Lower estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, thinning tissues, and discomfort during sex.
Lubricants and new products can make intimacy enjoyable again; many women benefit from talking openly to their healthcare provider about these changes.
Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor, supporting sexual function and bladder control.

Declines in libido or emotional difficulties can occur, but support, medical therapies, and a culture of open discussion help many couples maintain a healthy intimate life.

“The truth about sex after menopause: It’s different — not necessarily worse. Many women discover new pleasure and confidence in their changing bodies.”

6. Remedies and Personal Stories: Solutions and Support Exist

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing menopause. The experience is diverse, and so are the remedies and supports available.

Natural remedies like cooling pajama sets, blankets, and sheets can provide relief for night sweats and hot flashes.
Diet and exercise make a huge difference: Regular movement eases symptoms, boosts mood, and supports long-term wellbeing.
Therapies (hormonal and non-hormonal) are available for those with severe symptoms; consult with a healthcare provider to find what works best for you.
Talking to mothers, friends, or support groups can prepare you for what’s ahead, offering practical tips and emotional comfort.
Some women enter menopause earlier than expected — as young as 24 due to surgery, genetics, or medical conditions. Awareness helps tailor the right care and mental support.

Personal stories reveal that often, the fear of menopause is worse than the reality; with accurate information and community support, most women navigate this life stage successfully.

Table: Comparing Myths vs. Facts About Menopause

Myth	Reality
Menopause is always unbearable	Symptoms vary widely; many women experience mild effects
Menopause means no more sex life	Sexual satisfaction is possible with the right support and products
Only hot flashes matter	Menopause affects sleep, mood, memory, and long-term health
No treatments or help exist	Therapies and lifestyle changes can lessen symptoms significantly
Menopause is an ‘old lady’s’ problem	Perimenopause can start in your 40s, even 30s or 20s for some women

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, often marked by irregular periods and early symptoms. Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has had no period for 12 consecutive months.

Q: Can menopause occur in your 20s?

Yes, early menopause can happen due to medical treatments, surgery, or rare genetic conditions. It’s less common but underscores the importance of awareness and individualized care.

Q: Are hot flashes the only symptom?

No; symptoms range from hot flashes to sleep changes, mood volatility, joint pain, and memory lapses. Each woman’s experience can be unique.

Q: How does menopause increase disease risk?

Lower estrogen post-menopause increases the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Regular exams and healthy lifestyle changes are recommended.

Q: What are effective remedies for menopause symptoms?

Weight-bearing exercise, resistance training, dietary changes, cooling products, lubricants, therapies prescribed by healthcare providers, and community support all play a role.

Quick Tips for Navigating Menopause

Educate yourself: Seek out trustworthy books and resources about menopause.
Move your body: Incorporate regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises.
Eat for health: Focus on calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and whole foods.
Prioritize sleep and stress reduction: Good sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques can mitigate symptoms.
Consult your healthcare provider: Routine check-ups can monitor bone and heart health and address symptoms early.
Share your story: Open up to friends and family or join a support group to reduce stigma and create community.