This Sunday, October 18, marks World Menopause Day. In an interview with Lifestyle to Minute, physician Ana Luísa Matias clarified some of the most common myths about this phase of female life, including sexual life and weight gain.
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18/10/2026
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ANDthis Sunday, October 18, is the World Menopause Day. For many women it turns out to be a complicated phase that requires some attention. Will sex life never be the same? Does it always start at 50? And weight gain is inevitable?
Ana Luísa Matias, general and family medicine doctor at the USF Vale do Arunca, ULS Region of Leiria, clarified to Lifestyle to Minute some of the myths are common that associate with menopause.
Regarding sexual life, there are some changes, but there are ways to solve them. “Although oestrogen decline may cause vaginal dryness, less tissue elasticity and changes in libido, there are effective treatments.” It also explains that the date of 50 years is never something that should be given as right. “It may occur before the age of 40 and is termed premature ovarian insufficiency.”
Doctor clarifies 10 myths about menopause
Myth 1- Menopause always begins from the age of 50
The explanation: “In Portugal, the average age of menopause entry is around 51 years (with the usual interval between 45 and 55 years). However, it may occur before the age of 40 and is termed premature ovarian insufficiency.”
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Myth 2- Hot flushes are always the first symptom
The explanation: “The first characteristic sign of the transition phase (perimenopausal) is usually the alteration of the menstrual cycle pattern, manifested by irregularities in the interval between menstruations, duration or intensity of the flow. Symptoms such as mood disorders, sleep disturbances, fatigue or anxiety often arise before hot flushes.”
Myth 3- Gaining weight during menopause is inevitable
The explanation: “The decrease in oestrogens and the natural aging process cause a reduction in basal metabolic rhythm and a greater tendency to redistribution of adipose tissue (with greater accumulation in the abdominal area). However, weight gain can be prevented or managed through strength and endurance training, muscle mass preservation and food plan adjustment.”
Myth 4: Sex life is never the same after menopause
The explanation: “ Although oestrogen descent may cause vaginal dryness, less tissue elasticity (menopausal genitourinary syndrome) and alterations in libido, there are effective treatments. The use of vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, local (topic) estrogen therapy, Menopause Hormonal Therapy and specialized sexual health support enables a full, active and painless sexual life.”
Myth 5- Menopause is the same for all women
The explanation: “The experience of menopause is deeply individual. About 20% to 25% of women go through this phase without significant symptoms beyond menstruation cessation, while others have moderate to severe symptoms with great impact on physical, psychological and social well-being.”
Myth 6- Is it possible to become pregnant during menopause?
The explanation: “In perimenopausal patients yes, but in established menopause no. The diagnosis of menopause is only confirmed retroactively after 12 consecutive months without menstruation (amenorrhea). During perimenopausal period, as sporadic and unpredictable ovulations may continue to occur, pregnancy is possible and contraception should be maintained. After confirmation of 12 months of amenorrhea, fertility ceases permanently.”
Myth 7 - Symptoms are never severe enough to require medical support
The explanation: “ In many women, symptoms (extensive confrontations, chronic insomnia, severe mood swings, urogenital atrophy) seriously affect the quality of life. In addition, oestrogen loss affects bone mineral density and cardiovascular health. Medical follow-up at the National Health Service (SNS) is essential to assess risks, indicate preventive strategies and define the most appropriate treatment.”
Myth 8. Hormonal therapy is the only form of treatment
The explanation: “Menopause Hormonal Therapy is the first-line and most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and urogenital atrophy in women without contraindications. However, there are non-hormonal pharmacological alternatives, local topical treatments and lifestyle interventions (regular physical exercise, smoking cessation and sleep hygiene) that help mitigate symptoms.”
Myth 9 - Symptoms are all physical
The explanation: “ Fluctuation and decreased estrogen levels directly affect brain neurotransmitters. The most common neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms include emotional lability, anxiety, irritability, depressive symptoms, decreased concentration, memory failure and a sense of “mental fog”.
Myth 10- Postmenopausal bleeding is normal
The explanation: “Any vaginal blood loss that occurs after menopause is established (more than 12 months without menstruation) is considered abnormal and an alarm signal and should be evaluated in good time by an assistant physician.”