By Dr. Helen Simigiannis
Obstetrician/gynecologist
CentraState Medical Center
For years, women did not talk much about the changes they experienced before, during and after menopause. It is just in the last 30 years or so that women have been encouraged to speak with their physicians about their symptoms. Now, women are much more in tune with their bodies and proactive about seeking treatment for the symptoms that can make life uncomfortable.
Here are 11 lesser-known facts about “the change of life.”
1. Menopause is diagnosed after it’s over.
2. The pre-cursor to menopause is peri-menopause.
3. Menopause is more than just hot flashes.
4. Hot flashes can affect your focus.
5. Menopause can start as early as 40 years of age.
6. Menopause can start as late as your early 60s.
7. There are several treatments for hot flashes, not just hormone therapy.
8. There is no correlation between when your period starts and when you start menopause.
9. The amount of calcium in your bones is set at age 30.
10. Not all women need both estrogen and progesterone after menopause.
11. There are several options to relieve vaginal dryness.
The most important advice I can give women is that there are a variety of effective treatments to manage the symptoms of menopause. There is no reason to suffer. Talk to your doctor about your options.
