Menopause: The Top 4 Things Mom Didn’t Tell You
Your mom probably told you about the physical changes that come with menopause: hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain. But there are many other things to consider, from how your hormones affect your sex drive to how you can cope with symptoms like insomnia and depression. Let’s look at the top things you probably don’t know about menopause as follows:
1. Menopause is Not Age-Specific
You can start experiencing the symptoms of menopause at any age. The average age is 51 for women in the United States who go through menopause. It’s not uncommon for some women to experience the symptoms of menopause as early as their 30s or 40s. If you think you’re experiencing the signs of menopause, talk with your doctor about getting tested for this condition.
2. It’s More Than Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
While hot flashes are expected during menopause, they aren’t all you might experience. They can come with many other symptoms, such as night sweats, trouble sleeping, anxiety, low libido (sex drive), vaginal dryness, and irregular periods.
3. Menopause is Not The End of Your Sex Life
People think menopause is bad for your sex life because it’s often accompanied by vaginal dryness and other symptoms that make sex uncomfortable. But there are plenty of ways to keep things spicy:
- Experiment with lubricants. Some women need to use a bit extra lube during sex, mainly if they use a condom.
- Try non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers like Replens or Astroglide. These products can be used daily and don’t contain hormones, so they’re safe to use regularly (you should still check with your doctor first). They can help relieve dryness and make sex feel better for both partners.
4. Osteoporosis and Heart Disease are Preventable During Menopause
Osteoporosis is when your bones become weak, brittle, and break easily. 20% of women’s bone loss can occur during menopause because their estrogen levels drop.
Heart disease is also common in women over 40, especially if they have risk factors such as smoking or high blood pressure. It can lead to heart attacks and strokes. There are things/ways you can do to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease during menopause.
Eat a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Limit alcohol consumption
Quit smoking
See your doctor if you have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
Menopause doesn’t have to be a miserable time in your life. We will help you manage these symptoms so that they don’t get in your life or relationships. With proper treatment, you can manage the symptoms and feel better physically and emotionally. Fill out this form to join the conversation and learn more about managing menopause symptoms.