Common Myths and Misinformation About Menopause in Africa (with Facts)

By: Foluke Akinwalere. Freelance Health Writer. Medical review and editorial support provided by the T.N Mungchieng MD and O Oni, MD

AI generated image of three African women of menopausal age posed standing in colourful attire with middle one holding a menopause sign.

In many African societies, menopause is often misunderstood or misrepresented.  Dive deep into some common myths in African societies about this condition and discover answers to frequently asked questions that should put your mind at rest about menopuse.

Myth 1:  Menopause Means a Woman is No Longer Useful

Fact: Menopause is not the end of a woman’s usefulness or value.  Many African cultures associate a woman’s worth with her ability to bear children, but menopause signifies a new chapter. [1]  Women can continue to thrive in their careers, contribute to their families, and provide wisdom and guidance to younger generations.

Myth 2:  Menopause Only Affects Older Women

Fact:  While menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, some women mayexperience early menopause due to hereditary traits (genetics), medical treatments (chemotherapy), or conditions like premature ovarian failure. Women as young as their 30s or early 40s can experience menopause. [2]

Myth 3:  Menopause Stops All Sexual Desire

Fact:  Menopause may cause changes like vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy, but it does not eliminate sexual desire. [3]  With proper communication, emotional connection, and solutions like lubricants or hormone therapy, many women enjoy fulfilling intimacy after menopause.

Myth 4: Menopause Is the Same for Every Woman

Fact: All women experience menopause differently. Symptoms, timing, and severity vary greatly depending on genetics, lifestyle, and health. [2]  Some women have minimal symptoms, while others may experience significant changes that require medical attention.

Myth 5: Talking About Menopause Is Shameful or Taboo

Fact:  Menopause is a natural life stage, and discussing it openly helps break taboos, reduce stigma, and promote understanding. [1]  By talking freely about menopause, African women can get support, access accurate information, and build stronger communities where no one suffers in silence.

Myth 6: A Woman Cannot Become Pregnant During Menopause

Fact: During the perimenopause phase, it is possible for a woman to become pregnant as long as ovulation continues. [4]  It is advised to use birth control measures (contraception) to prevent unintended pregnancy until after 12 consecutive months without menstruation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible I get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during or following menopause?

Answer:  Yes. It is possible to get sexually transmitted infections, including HIV through unprotected sexual contact, no matter your age or reproductive stage.

What happens to the blood from my menstrual period when I go through menopause?

Answer: As a young woman, your hormones prepare your womb for pregnancy each month by building a lining.  If you don’t get pregnant, the lining sheds bloods away through your vagina as your menstrual period. This cycle continues until menopause when your ovaries stop releasing eggs.  Then the womb no longer prepares for pregnancy, and you don’t bleed anymore.

Can I still bleed during menopause or postmenopause?

Answer: If you experience any unusual bleeding after 12 months without a period, it is important to consult your healthcare professional to exclude any underlying medical conditions.

Can menopause cause mental health problems?

Answer: Hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression.  These symptoms are temporary for most women but should be addressed with professional help if they become severe or persistent..

Is menopause viewed differently across Africa cultures?

Answer: Yes. Cultural perspectives on menopause vary across Africa.  In some communities, it is seen as a sign of wisdom and transition into elderhood, while in others, it may carry stigma or myths.  Open talk can help to promote a healthier understanding.

References

1.  Rasweswe MM, Mulaudzi FM. Indigenous knowledge, beliefs, practices and treatments of menopause among females of African descent. In: Mulaudzi FM, Lebese RT, editors. Working with indigenous knowledge: Strategies for health professionals [Internet]. Cape Town: AOSIS; 2022. Chapter 8. Available from: here  

2.  World Health Organisation (WHO), Menopause, [Internet] 16 October, 2024. Accessed: January 21, 2025. Available from here

3.  NHS Inform, Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy, and Menopause, [Internet]. 14, March, 2023) Accessed January 25, 2025. Available from here

4.  Medical News Today, What To Know About Menopause and Pregnancy, [Internet].Updated March 19, 2020. Accessed January 26, 2025 Available from here

Related 

• Menopause: Basic Information for Africans
• How To Determine Your Fertile Window For Pregnancy: A Guide For African Women
• Demystifying the Menstrual Cycle for African women 
• 10 Common Hormone-Linked Disorders in African Women

Published: February 7, 2025

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