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Menopause is a natural process that happens to women as they get older, but there are many misunderstandings surrounding it that can make this transition sound scary and confusing. To help you understand the realities of menopause, our OB/GYN specialists in East Chicago, Indiana are going to debunk five of the most common myths about menopause below.
Myth 1: Menopause starts at 50 for everyone.
Many women assume that menopause always starts at the age of 50 for everyone, but that is not completely true. Most American women do reach menopause around the age of 51, but some might experience its symptoms much earlier or later.
Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not experienced a menstrual period for a complete year. The transitional phase leading up to this point is called “perimenopause,” and it can start as early as the 30s or as late as the 50s.
Your OB/GYN specialists in East Chicago, Indiana can notice early symptoms of menopause and help you understand what to expect, even if those changes come before your 40s. It does not matter if you are 42 or 56, if you notice any changes in your body or feel that something is not quite right, you don’t have to wait until you are in your 50s to talk to a doctor.
Myth 2: Weight gain is a given in menopause.
Though weight gain can be a frustrating part of menopause, it does not have to be an inevitable outcome for everyone. Hormonal changes during menopause do affect how your body stores and burns fat, which can sometimes lead to more fat around the belly. That said, eating healthy and regular exercise can help you mitigate these changes and maintain a healthy weight.
If you are feeling anxious about gaining weight during menopause, you should talk to an OB/GYN specialist in East Chicago, Indiana. They can help you come up with a wellness plan that includes dietary modifications, muscle-strengthening exercises, and lifestyle changes to help you manage your weight during the transition.
Myth 3: Menopause can mean an end to a healthy sex life.
During menopause, your body will go through some big changes, but these changes don’t have to create barriers to intimacy with your partner. Some women may feel mild discomfort due to a decrease in estrogen, which can cause dryness, but this issue can be easily managed by topical moisturizers or prescription options. Changes in hormonal levels also impact libido, but these changes vary widely among women and can be addressed.
Your OB/GYN specialist in East Chicago, Indiana can give you advice on hormone therapy and other effective treatments to support an active and fulfilling intimate life during and after menopause.
Myth 4: Hot flashes are the first sign of menopause.
Hot flashes may be the most popular symptom of menopause, but they are not the first sign of the transition. Many women report other symptoms before the onset of hot flashes, like mood swings, difficulties with sleep, unexpected weight gain, and changes in their menstrual cycle. Some women also experience fatigue, increased cravings, or brain fog as early symptoms of menopause.
If you have noticed irregularities in your menstrual cycle or any other unusual changes in your body or overall health, you should talk to your OB/GYN specialist and get clarity on whether these changes may indicate the start of menopause.
Myth 5: Menopause only affects women physically.
When women go through menopause, they might also experience some emotional effects. The hormonal changes during this period can make them feel depressed, irritated, or have sudden mood swings. You should remember that these emotions are normal and part of what happens during this time.
Your OB/GYN specialist in East Chicago, Indiana can give you resources, offer professional counseling, and discuss different treatment options to manage your emotional and mental health symptoms related to menopause.
Looking for an Affordable OB/GYN Specialist in East Chicago, Indiana?
Are you ready to effectively manage the symptoms of menopause? If so, and if you’re looking for an affordable OB/GYN specialist in East Chicago, Indiana, look no further than our team at 219 Health Network. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get started.