Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life, but depending on whom you talk to, it’s often shrouded in myth and mystery. While menopause is a natural transition that most women experience as their menstrual cycles come to an end, there are many misconceptions about what menopause is and how it affects women's health. Here are four common myths about menopause:
Myth #1: Women don’t enter menopause before age 50
In the United States, the average age for women to start menopause is 51. However, it is not true that women never start menopause before age 50. Just as the age when a woman gets her first period can vary, so can the age when her periods will stop. Some go through menopause between the ages of 40 and 45, which is considered early menopause. Premature menopause is when a woman stops getting her period before age 40, which is rare. There are various reasons for premature and early menopause to occur, including smoking, family history of early menopause, hysterectomy, cancer treatment or having an autoimmune disease. So, while 51 is the average age, some women can go through menopause before age 50. If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, Labcorp OnDemand’s Menopause Test can help give you more insight.
Myth #2: Menopause and post-menopause symptoms are the same for all women
Menopause symptoms can vary widely among women. While hot flashes are most common, affecting up to 80% of women, other symptoms are less universal. For example, vaginal dryness affects around 50% of women in post-menopause. The severity and duration of symptoms also differ. Some women have symptoms of night sweats, mood swings, hot flashes and vagina dryness for a few months, while others have more disruptive symptoms for years.
Hot or hot flashes? A guide to menopause symptoms and stages
Myth #3: Menopause means you can't get pregnant
It's commonly thought that menopause marks the end of fertility, but women can ovulate irregularly for years leading up to their final period.
Since menopause isn't officially diagnosed until you've gone 12 straight months without a period, pregnancy can still occur during the menopause transition. Understanding the facts about menopause empowers you to take charge of your health during this transition.
Myth #4: Menopause brings more health problems
Changes in hormone levels during menopause and years after menopause can make some women more susceptible to certain health problems, such as a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis or even cognitive changes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as adopting a well-balanced diet, increasing physical activity and decreasing stress can help minimize health risks.
If you're experiencing potential menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and irregular periods, a menopause blood test can provide helpful information. You can purchase a Menopause Test online through Labcorp OnDemand without visiting a healthcare provider's office. Simply purchase a test online, provide a sample at a local Labcorp patient service center location and the results will be delivered to your account.
Knowledge guides the way to better health. Separating menopause facts from fiction is the first step.
