Menopause: Facts & Myths

The average woman starts menopause at about age 50. Some may experience enter menopause prematurely, while others may be delayed until their late 50s. Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation, meaning you are no longer fertile and your ovaries have stopped producing eggs. Although menopause is a natural occurrence, women need to be careful because it can increase the risks of heart disease and other conditions. There are a number of misconceptions about menopause that cause people to attach unfair stereotypes to post-menopause women.

Hormone Replacement

• The Women's Health Initiative carried out a study to prove that Hormone Replacement Therapy had high-risk side effects, and HRT was widely condemned as a treatment for menopause. But while most of the women studied were 60 or older, HRT can be a treatment option for women in the early stages of menopause. It can help relieve symptoms such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes.

Weight Gain

• Although the metabolic rate slows down considerably after menopause, it is not inevitable that you will gain weight. Most women can expect to put on five to 10 pounds, but you can control your weight through diet and regular exercise.

Sex Life

• Menopause can cause pain during intercourse and vaginal dryness, but it doesn't mean an end to your sex life. Because you no longer have to worry about menstruation or contraception, you may feel more in control. Your doctor may recommend lubricants or medications to help you.

Depression

• Women going through menopause may experience mood swings and symptoms of depression. But you can improve your mental state by communicating with people and indulging in stress-relieving activities, such as exercise.

Not Old

• In the early 20th century, the average woman lived 50 years, so menopause might have signaled that a woman was near the end of her life. In modern times, a woman's lifespan averages 80 years. Menopause doesn't mean you are old; it simply signals a new stage of your life.