Myths about menopause - KALB-TV News Channel 5 & CBS 2

Menopause is sometimes called "the change of life," and there's a reason for that. It marks a very important point in a woman's life: the end of her childbearing years and that monthly reminder, the menstrual period.

Some women approach this time with dread, certain it's all downhill from there. If you're one of them, perk up. The picture is not all doom and gloom. In fact, it's far from it. Once you set aside the myths and consider the facts, you'll probably feel a whole lot better.

Myth: Menopause is the beginning of the end.

Fact: Whoa there! The average age at which menopause occurs is 51. A century ago, that was about the end of the road for most women. Nowadays, though, the average woman will live almost a third of her life after menopause.

Many women find these years a time of increased energy and creativity. Without young children to care for, they can focus on pursuits they enjoy, such as hobbies, travel or volunteering. With almost 20 years of working life ahead, women often take up new careers or start businesses.

Myth: I can't get pregnant once I start perimenopause.

Fact: Don't assume that you can't get pregnant just because you have missed a couple of periods. Until you have reached menopause (gone 12 consecutive months without a period), you could still get pregnant. Avoid an untimely surprise by using birth control every time you have sex.

Myth: I will feel terrible during perimenopause.

Fact: Perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) is different for every woman, so it's a mistake to assume you will be miserable. Most women do have some symptoms during this time, such as hot flashes, insomnia or vaginal dryness. They are rarely severe, though. Some women say their only sign of menopause was the end of periods. In those who have symptoms, they come and go and are mostly just annoying.

Myth: My sex life will tank after menopause.

Fact: Your body changes during menopause, and your sex life may change, too. It may take longer to get aroused, and you may find you need extra lubrication. But some women enjoy sex more once they are free from worry about getting pregnant and the hassle of periods and PMS. Midlife couples often rediscover each other once the kids are out of the house. You may have the time to slow down and explore your passion in new ways.

If you find your interest in sex declining, don't just assume menopause is the reason. It could be the result of a medical condition or a medication you take, and your doctor may be able to help you solve the problem.

Myth: Hormone therapy is too risky and should always be avoided.

Fact: It's not that simple. Hormone therapy (either estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone) does have some risks, including a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack, blood clots and stroke. Because of this, it is no longer prescribed routinely as it once was. But hormone therapy also has real benefits for women with severe menopausal symptoms. It can ease symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also help slow bone loss, which peaks around menopause.

The decision about hormone therapy is one only you can make. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. The risks of hormone therapy appear to be greatest when it is used long-term (more than five years). If you take hormone therapy, it should be at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

Your lifestyle choices can help you manage symptoms and reduce disease risks, whether you take hormones or not. To stay healthy through menopause and beyond:

• Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
• Make exercise a habit.
• Watch your weight.
• Don't smoke, and limit alcohol.
• Get regular health checkups and screening tests.