“It’s Just Aging” and Other Lies We’ve Been Told About Menopause

from Dr. Beverly Huang ND

For too long, women have been brushed off, gaslit, and misinformed about what really happens during menopause. If you’ve ever been told that your symptoms are “just aging,” you’re not alone—and you’ve been seriously undersold.

Let’s be clear: menopause is a profound hormonal shift, not just an inevitable downhill slide into discomfort. Many of the symptoms we associate with “getting older” are actually signs of hormonal changes that can be understood, supported, and improved.

Let’s bust some of the biggest myths wide open:

“It’s Just Aging—There’s Nothing You Can Do”

Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep struggles, weight gain, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and mood swings aren't just random consequences of getting older. They’re the result of specific hormonal shifts—and you absolutely can take action to feel better.

From nutrition to hormone therapy, from stress management to targeted supplements, there are powerful, evidence-based ways to support your body. You deserve options, not resignation.

“Menopause Only Affects Your Periods”

Menopause is so much bigger than your menstrual cycle. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact your brain, bones, heart, metabolism, skin, urinary system, and more.
Symptoms like memory lapses, joint pain, palpitations, or increased urinary tract infections often get missed because people aren’t connecting the dots to hormonal shifts.

Menopause is a whole-body transition, and every system deserves care.

“You’ll Feel Better Once Your Periods Stop”

Many women think the chaos will magically end once they have their final period—but that's not always the case. Some symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues, mood swings, and vaginal dryness can continue—and even intensify—in the years following menopause if not properly supported.

Menopause isn’t a finish line; it’s a new phase. And your health strategies need to evolve along with it.

“Hormone Therapy is Too Dangerous to Consider”

For years, outdated research led to fear around hormone therapy, but newer, high-quality studies show a different story. For many women, hormone therapy—when started appropriately—can be safe and beneficial, reducing risks like osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease, while also improving quality of life.

It's about personalized care, not one-size-fits-all fear.

“If You’re Young, It Can’t Be Menopause”

Think you’re too young to be feeling the effects of menopause? Think again.
Perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause—can begin as early as your mid-30s or early 40s. Hormones start to fluctuate long before your final period, causing symptoms like anxiety, cycle changes, brain fog, insomnia, and weight shifts.

Don’t let age stereotypes keep you from getting the support you need.

Menopause isn’t “just aging.” It’s a powerful hormonal shift—and you deserve real support, real solutions, and real hope.
You’re not broken. You’re not crazy.
You’re stepping into a new chapter—and with the right tools, it can be one of your strongest yet.