Menopause 101: symptoms, myths, stigmas & tips to get through it

Tasleem Gierdien

Tasleem Gierdien

29 October 2025 | 14:35

One in three South African women are affected by menopause. Here are some basic tips from a doctor...

Menopause 101: symptoms, myths, stigmas & tips to get through it

Woman sweating / Pexels: Karolina Grabowska 7195033

What is menopause?

Dr Adele Pelteret, a specialist in nutritional therapy and functional medicine, says it's the natural, permanent end of a woman's menstrual cycles, occurring typically from 51 years old.

It is caused by a decrease in estrogen and progesterone production from the ovaries, and is officially defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, which won't return after the 12 months.

The years before menopause are known as perimenopause, which can begin up to a decade earlier. During this time, women may experience menopause symptoms, but menstrual periods still occur.

Common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause include:

  • hot flashes,
  • night sweats,
  • irregular periods,
  • vaginal dryness,
  • mood changes,
  • sleep problems,
  • odd weight gain,
  • memory loss and decline in cognitive function,
  • dry and itchy skin,
  • headaches,
  • changes in sex drive,
  • potential urinary issues and bone thinning over time.

The severity and combination of symptoms vary widely among individuals.

Myths and stigmas:

Dr Pelteret says the biggest misconceptions around menopause often sound like:

  • "I can't do anything about it."
  • "If I go on hormones, I'm going to get cancer."
  • "My sex life is over."
  • "I'll just have sore joints, have hot flashes and a cycle going all over the place for the rest of my life."
  • "It's the end of being a woman because your libido is gone."

These myths exist because many avoid speaking about menopause and when it is spoken of, it's in an unserious and jokey way, she says.

Owning the change:

Because the hormone drop is "so huge" during menopause, it's like "PMS on steroids", says Dr Pelteret.

She suggest the following ways to support someone going through menopause:

  • For doctors: understand there is no one-size-fit-all approach to treating menopause. Individual symptoms should dictate how menopause is treated while looking at any deficiencies in vitamins, bone health, mental and cardiovascular health.
  • See a doctor that makes you feel comfortable. Dr Pelteret recommends finding a doctor who specialises in hormones from a holistic and functional overview of the body.
  • For loved ones: offer emotional support by listening without judgment and validating their feelings without being insensitive.
  • Understand the basics: educate people around the woman going through menopause and be aware and compassionate about their symptoms.
  • Have a strategically placed fan or a cooling device available.
  • Provide extra support, love, comfort and care as the person you love is in a fluctuating process of menopause.
  • Know that it's a journey and communicate with your partner about where they are and what they need when they are going through it.
  • Prioritise stress management through mindfulness, breathwork and other supportive mental health and holistic wellness practices.

To find an integrative doctor near you, go to South African Society of Integrated Medicine (SASIM).

To listen to Dr Pelteret in conversation with Carl Wastie on Kfm 94.5's The Flash Drive, click on the audio below:

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