Menopause Myths--And Facts
There's a ton of information available about menopause - and a ton of misinformation, too. Here, we separate the myths from the facts:
Myth: You Should Never Have Hormone Therapy.
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Fact: News about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy can be confusing. After a study released in 2002 showed health risks to women on long-term HRT, many women simply stopped taking it. But according to experts at the Mayo Clinic, short-term HRT not only reduces the severity of symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, it also may protect against osteoporosis and colorectal cancer.The link between hormone therapy and protection against heart disease is more tenuous. In any case, it's best to speak at length with your doctor or a specialist before making your decision.
Myth: Hormone Therapy Is The Only Medical Way To Fight Hot Flashes.
Fact: Low doses of certain antidepressants, especially Effexor, can be helpful. The Mayo Clinic cites other antidepressants as well, including Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
Myth: Eating Flaxseed Can Help With Hot Flashes.
Fact: A recent study showed that women consuming flaxseed daily had the same number of hot flashes as women who were given a placebo. Flax seed, available in oil, caplet or seed form, is still good in moderation as a source of fiber.
Myth: Some Bleeding After Menopause Is Normal.
Fact: It's commonly agreed that menopause occurs when you have not menstruated for a 12-month period. After that, your period does not "return." If you are having bleeding after you have been in menopause, or are even spotting, don't delay in seeing your doctor. The causes can range from benign polyps to uterine or endometrial cancer.
Myth: Symptoms Like Hot Flashes And Mood Swings Are Inevitable.
Fact: You might think that, given all the media attention paid to menopausal symptoms. But experts have estimated that 30 percent of women are not affected in the way we're accustomed to hearing about. And of course, there are degrees of severity within the group of women who are affected. So don't assume the worst about going through menopause, and if you're in that 30 percent minority, consider yourself lucky!
Myth: You Should Go For An Annual Pap Smear Even After Menopause.
Fact: A Pap smear, which detects changes in the cervix that can indicate cancer, used to be an annual test for women. More recently, experts have recommended that the test be given every two years for women 21-29 years old. After age 30, women who have had a normal Pap test and HPV test should be screened every three years. The same is true for postmenopausal women.
Myth: A Lowered Libido Is Just A Hormonal Problem.
Fact: A lot of other factors come into play as well. "Menopause is a life transition that can affect you physically and emotionally," says Staness Jonekos, author of "The Menopause Makeover." "Midlife stresses -- career change, the loss of a loved one, empty nest syndrome, or caring for elderly parents -- can contribute..to a declining libido." But there are a number of steps you can take, Jonekos says, including being flexible about changes in lovemaking and communicating to your partner what you've been experiencing.
Myth: Blood Pressure Has Very Little To Do With Menopause.
Fact: You will probably find that your blood-pressure numbers have risen following menopause. Doctors aren't sure whether this is caused by hormones or the weight increase that often happens around this time. To complicate the picture further, hormone therapy may also contribute to high blood pressure. To combat the condition, exercise consistently (that's important for bone strength, too), eat heart-healthy foods and avoid alcohol as much as possible.
Myth: Alternative Treatments Work Well For Menopause.
Fact: Even if you're not crazy about going to an M.D., alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms just don't seem to work. Wild yam cream, sold in many health-food stores, has never proven effective, and researchers have reached the same conclusion about black cohosh, a widely used herb. Mayo Clinic experts say there is some evidence that Vitamin E may work to provide some women with relief from mild hot flashes.
Myth: Diabetics in menopause face the same problems as non-diabetics.
Fact: Menopause is one of the toughest times for diabetics because blood-sugar levels often rise due to hormonal changes, or become less predictable. Menopausal weight gain may mean a need for higher doses of insulin. The solution: Eat well, exercise, monitor your blood sugar frequently and talk with your doctor about the need for any changes in the level of medications you're taking.
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