5 Perimenopausal Body Myths That Need Busting
Perimenopause: a time of transition, transformation and a truckload of myths
Menopause was never a conversation topic when I was growing up. I vaguely remember my mum going through it — occasionally excusing herself, looking mildly embarrassed, and disappearing into the bathroom “to freshen up.”
It wasn’t until years later that I realised she was probably having hot flushes. She never mentioned it. I wasn’t even told about my first period, so menopause? No chance!
Back then, until maybe a decade ago, perimenopause wasn’t even a word in most women’s vocabulary. Today, things look very different, for the better, mostly.
The idea that perimenopausal women are ‘unstable’ is just sexism in a lab coat.
Menopause is everywhere in the wellness space. Maybe even too much sometimes and not always for good reasons (see my post about the commodification of midlife: Midlife Is The New Gold Rush).
So, what is perimenopause? It’s the phase before menopause when hormone levels begin fluctuating, often triggering symptoms like irregular cycles, hot and cold flashes (I’m on the cold flashes team), and mood shifts. It typically begins in the 40s, but not always.
If you’ve ever been told that perimenopause turns you into an irritable, weight-gaining, moustachioed version of yourself… congratulations! You’ve encountered some of the most persistent, wildly inaccurate myths about this stage of life.
Let’s bust them, one by one, with science and solutions.
Myth 1: You’re No Longer Desirable
The Myth: Youth equals beauty, and after 40, you fade into the background and stay there for all of eternity.
The Science: Desire isn’t a number. A 2018 study in The Journal of Sex Research1 found that sexual satisfaction and confidence often increase with age. Hormones fluctuate, but so do self-awareness, body confidence, and a clearer sense of what you actually want. Many women report their libido stabilises post-menopause.
The Solution: Reframe desirability. Confidence, self-care, and an active social life boost self-perception. Movement, good nutrition, and quality sleep support healthy hormones and help you feel good in your skin. Ditch outdated narratives. Own your evolving self.
Myth 2: Facial Hair Is a Thing
The Myth: As oestrogen dips, your face transforms into that of an old-timey prospector.
The Science: Some hair follicles are sensitive to androgens (male hormones like testosterone), which stay stable while oestrogen declines. This can lead to chin or upper lip hair growth, but it’s not universal. Some women, like me, actually experience less hair overall.
The Solution: If rogue hairs bother you, waxing, threading, or laser hair removal can help. But also? A few chin hairs shouldn’t define you. If anything, have a laugh!
Myth 3: Weight Gain Is Inevitable
The Myth: Perimenopause = automatic weight gain, especially around the belly.
The Science: While hormonal changes can shift fat distribution, midlife weight gain is more about muscle loss and lifestyle factors than hormones alone. A 2021 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism2 found that midlife weight gain is also driven by activity levels and muscle mass, not just hormones (even if hormonal fluctuations do impact fat gain and distribution around the waist).
The Solution: Strength training is your best friend. It preserves muscle, keeps metabolism active, and supports bone health. Prioritise protein and good fats over carbs, manage stress (which affects fat storage), and improve sleep, because poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones and metabolism.
Myth 4: You Smell Weird
The Myth: Perimenopause makes you smell… different.
The Science: Oestrogen influences body temperature, sweat production, and vaginal microbiome balance. Lower levels can lead to night sweats and changes in body odour. But it’s not universal, and it doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly smell ‘off.’ Gut health, hydration, and diet also play a role.
The Solution: Stay hydrated. Eat probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, kombucha). Manage stress (which impacts sweat composition). Natural fibre clothing and magnesium-based deodorants (safer than aluminium-based deodorants) help too. And if vaginal scent changes? Probiotics and pH-balancing washes may help.
Myth 5: Hello Mood Swings
The Myth: Perimenopause turns you into an emotional and irrational wreck, angry one minute, crying the next.
The Science: Hormonal shifts can impact neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, making mood swings more noticeable. But the idea that perimenopausal women are ‘unstable’ is just sexism in a lab coat. While mood symptoms can increase in perimenopause, they certainly don’t define a woman’s personality or stability3.
The Solution: Stabilising blood sugar, regular exercise, and stress management can help. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and magnesium support emotional resilience (taking magnesium in the evening may also help with sleep). If mood swings are severe, hormone therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective options. And most importantly? Feeling emotions deeply doesn’t make you ‘unhinged.’
Final Thought
Perimenopause is not a curse, it’s a natural shift. And yet, there are many more myths floating around out there.
It’s a time when your body asks for new strategies, not a resignation letter. By ditching these myths, you reclaim your power, your confidence, and your right to thrive.
You’re not losing anything. You’re stepping into an era where knowledge, self-care, and agency matter more than ever.
Did any of these myths surprise you? Let’s bust some more together in the comments.
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Out of “Objectification Limelight”? The Contribution of Body Appreciation to Sexual Adjustment in Midlife Women, Robbins, A.-R. and Reissing, E., The Journal of Sex Research, 2018.
Changes in Regional Fat Distribution and Anthropometric Measures Across the Menopause Transition, Greendale, G. et al., The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2021.
Mood Changes During Perimenopause Are Real. Here’s What to Know., Silver, N., The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2023.