007- Perimenopause Myths Busted: What You Really Need to Know

Feeling lost in perimenopause confusion? This episode tackles common myths surrounding this transitional phase, empowering you to take charge of your health.

Here are 3 key takeaways to help you navigate perimenopause:

1. Beyond Hot Flashes: Perimenopause symptoms can vary widely, including irregular periods, sleep issues, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and changes in libido. Don't dismiss these as unrelated!
2. Sexy and Strong at Every Age: Perimenopause doesn't diminish your attractiveness. Embrace your body, explore what makes you feel good, and have open communication with your partner.
3. Knowledge is Power: You don't have to suffer through perimenopause! Tune in for tips on managing symptoms with healthy habits like diet, exercise, and stress management. Plus, learn how to talk to your doctor about options.

Listen to the full episode and join the conversation! We're breaking the silence about perimenopause together.

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Disclaimer: I am a registered nurse and health coach, but I am not a medical doctor. The information and recommendations provided during our coaching sessions are intended to support your overall health and wellness and are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your physician before making any changes to your medication, treatment plan, or if you have any concerns about your health.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 3:03

Hi there and welcome back to another episode of Smash the Crash. Today we're diving headfirst into myths that surround perimenopause, its secrecy and the misconception. All right, but before we get started, what is perimenopause? This is the transitional period leading up to menopause, which marks the official end of your menstrual cycle. It can begin anywhere from your late 30s to your early 60s, but during this time your body starts to slow down its production of the estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can cause a variety of symptoms. Check out episode two, where we really dive into the phases of menopause. All right, but you ready for this? This is our very own episode of Mythbusters. Did you used to watch that show? I love that show. Anyways, we're keeping it short and sweet. We have four myths we're busting today. So let's bust a myth.

Speaker 1: 4:10

Myth number one menopause always hits at 50. Busted. The average age for menopause is 52, but it can widely vary. Genetics play a role and factors like smoking or other, certain medical treatments and conditions can certainly influence when it starts. Again. That's menopause. That's the official end of your menstrual cycle, which is defined by 12 consecutive months without a period. Perimenopause is that time frame that leads up to it. A period Perimenopause is that timeframe that leads up to it.

Speaker 1: 4:55

Myth number two hot flashes are the only symptom. Busted. Hot flashes are a well-known symptom, but not everyone experiences them. Irregular periods, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness yes, no one wants to talk about that, but it's a thing, so we're just putting it out there. Mood swings and changes in your libido are all common during perimenopause.

Speaker 1: 5:19

Myth number three Perimenopause means you're no longer sexy. No longer sexy? Busted again. Absolutely not. Sexuality is a spectrum and perimonopause doesn't diminish your desires or your attractiveness, ladies. There might be changes in your body, but open communication with your partner and exploring what works for you will help. So go, doll yourself up if that's what makes you feel good, Put on something that you haven't worn in a little while and go out and have a good time. Myth number four you have to suffer through it all. Well, we know that that is busted.

Speaker 1: 6:07

There are so many ways to manage perimenopause symptoms through healthy lifestyle choices, like a balanced diet focusing on lean proteins and hydration, regular exercise, stress management techniques and, additionally, you and your doctor can talk about hormone replacement therapy if needed, and tune in to the Smash the Crash podcast for every weekly new episode as we go through this perimenopause stage of life together, because you're not alone and remember we are breaking that silence together. It's important to remember that perimenopause is a natural part of life. Here are some tips for today that maybe will help you navigate this a little bit more smoothly. Get informed the more you know about perimenopause, the better equipped you are to handle the changes. Keep tuning in for weekly episodes around this transition and talk to your healthcare provider. Ask questions, Track your symptoms, Keep a journal or notes on your phone to help you identify patterns that may be in relation to symptoms that you're having and discuss those with your healthcare provider.

Speaker 1: 7:27

Don't suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Open communication is key to managing your symptoms and finding solutions, and knowing that you're not the only one who's going through this certainly makes us all an empowered collective and embrace self-care. I know it's really hard sometimes to find what quote unquote time there's never enough time, but you are worth the time. So prioritizing healthy habits that make you feel good, and this can include getting enough sleep, eating more nutritious food and exercising regularly. It doesn't have to be anything like boot camp getting out and going out for a walk but making time to schedule time for activities that you enjoy, to do One small step at a time. Perimenopause is a powerful time of transition, but with knowledge and self-care, you can navigate this stage with confidence and empowerment. You are not alone and we are breaking the silence together. If you have any questions or comments, you can find me at melissahinmancom or on Instagram at it's melissahinman. Until next time, ladies.