Here are some myths and false assumptions about Menopause that youll never believe again.
1. It occurs around age 50.
That is the average age for menopause, but theres actually a range. Some experts cite ages 48 to 55, and others say it can stretch from age 40 to age 60. Menopause can also start much earlier, for a variety of reasons; in that case its called early menopause. My friend Cindy (all names have been changed) was right on the money at 51, but my pal Jane, started at 47. The Mayo Clinic reminds us that technically, menopause occurs 12 months after a womans last period.
2. Perimenopause, the years just before menopause, offers a gentle transition.
Some women may complain of only a few mild symptoms, but for others, perimenopause hits like a meteor. As estrogen levels start to drop, you can experience mood swings and become irritable, anxious and depressed. You can hope for a placid ride (see myth #3 below), but theres no guarantee.
3. Hot flashes are the most common symptom.
Not true, since according to experts we dont always experience them.. If youve had them, you know that they come on like gangbusters, with no warning, and can make you feel either slightly warm all over or as if youre on fire. One friend said they appear when shes tense and stressed. Another says cold flashes are worse (who knew?). The Mayo Clinic reports that four additional symptoms can be associated with hot flashes as well: weakness, fatigue, faintness, and dizziness.
4. Menopause is a natural occurrence deal with it.
We may not be able to skip menopause, but many womenand doctorssay there is no reason to simply deal with it. Some swear by hormone replacement therapy (HRT), despite the fact that its controversial. Dieticians recommend adding soy and green tea to ones diet to alleviate symptoms. Whole industries have sprung up touting alternative treatments such as bioidenticals, and supplements such black cohosh. Whether or not a woman has suffered from depression previously, researchers say that the transition to menopause has been shown to be a high-risk period for major depression. When that happens, antidepressantsalso controversial to some peoplecan help.5. When menopause hits, its all downhill from there. You can kiss your sex life and attractiveness goodbye.Au contraire. You dont need to a motivational therapist to tell you that many women feel as sexy as ever and love the freedom of not having to use birth control. Also, consider some of the beautiful and sexy women in mid-life you know, from close friends to actresses such as Meryl Streep and Susan Sarandon. You may experience some unwelcome symptoms such as vaginal dryness, but effective treatments are available for this symptom, too.6. Menopause will change your life.It is a life stage that signals the end of fertility. But some women, like my friend Ida, describe it as almost a non-event. Ida swears she didnt notice a big change, and there are other women whove had the same experience. Then again, for numerous women, the end of monthly periods is cause for celebration.Pat Olsen is a New Jersey based writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times and other publications.
