Despite the importance of understanding the changes to their bodies, the reality is that many women may still believe some of the old myths that exist about menopause.
It is important for women to understand the differences between myths and facts about menopause, so they can make informed decisions on the best treatment options that are available to help them live active and healthy lives. Women shouldn’t be making decisions about their health based on outdated information.
Here are some myths and facts to keep in mind according to the North American Menopause Society:
Myth: Menopause means “I’m old.”
Fact: Women can go through menopause starting in their forties and symptoms can last into their sixties. Women of these ages are still active in careers and their community and the end of menses does not mean that a woman is old and needs to slow down.
Myth: Menopause is an illness.
Fact: During menopause, all women can encounter changes to their bodies, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and sexual changes. But those are a natural part of life and not an illness.
Myth: Once a woman is menopausal “it’s all downhill.”
Fact: Some things clearly decline during menopause, but it’s misleading to believe it all goes downhill. According to a recent Ipsos- Reid survey, 90% of menopausal women see the upside of this phase of life.
It’s important for women to talk to their doctors and get the facts on menopause.
Women need to know that there are options available to treat their symptoms, such as nonhormone- based prescription medications, healthy lifestyle changes and choices, selective alternative therapies, and hormone therapy. By having the right information, women can lead healthy lives during this phase of life.
