Dispelling the Myths Surrounding Menopause

By Kim Allarie

There are many myths that surround menopause that are detrimental to women. These myths can cause women to fear entering menopause and cause problems with their relationships with their significant other. Here we look at the myths and the truths surrounding the change of life for women.

Myth: Menopause is not natural but is a disease. This is one of the biggest fallacies about menopause. Menopause is a normal and healthy part of life that every woman goes through. This can be a very challenging and frightening period in a woman's life. A woman needs to accept the changes that are taking place in her life and she also needs to be aware of the risks. If symptoms become too difficult to cope with she must be aware of what treatments are available.

Myth: Menopause can cause a woman to have mental problems that are akin to PMS. Menopause causes a shift in hormones (much the same as with premenstrual syndrome) and this can affect a woman's moods. However it is unfair and irrational to equate mood swings, which are a common symptom of menopause, with mental problems. Many women believe the stereotype that their minds will somehow turn them into crazy individuals because they have begun menopause. This is not the case at all. Those women who experience mood swings that interfere with their lives can seek out methods of relieving stress in their lives and can find ways to communicate what they are feeling to others.

Myth: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is dangerous and should be avoided. When HRT was first introduced, many women were excited about a treatment that could help relieve many of the unpleasant symptoms that accompany menopause. However the bubble burst shortly afterwards when a highly publicized research study revealed that HRT came with some serious potential risks to women's health. HRT is still rather controversial although it can be an effective treatment for menopausal women who are experiencing hot flashes and vaginal dryness, among other symptoms. Many doctors are cautious when prescribing the treatment for their patients. Some of the potential risks of the therapy include an increase in rates of breast cancer, blood clots and stroke.

Myth: Women lose their libido after menopause and are no longer desirable. The shift in hormone levels does affect a woman somewhat but many women crave intimacy every bit as much after menopause as they did before (and some more so!) Women continue to feel desirable and confident about their bodies after menopause has come and gone. Some menopausal women will experience dryness and slight discomfort, but for many women, no longer having to worry about periods or contraception can make their intimate relationships even more fulfilling. - 30307

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