Myths of Menopause in Chinese Medicine Practice

Despite nearly a century of its medicalisation as a disease, menopause is still poorly understood and rarely discussed outside the circle of those suffering as they transition from their reproductive to their non-reproductive years. This article discusses some of the common myths of the menopause, both from the biomedical as well as the Chinese medical perspective, and presents information that can contribute to the improvement of women’s physical and emotional health as they age. Four case studies are included that illustrate common misconceptions about the treatment of menopausal symptoms using Chinese medicine.