6 Menopause Myths to Stop Believing

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Fantasy: Menopausal hormone remedy is harmful

Menopausal hormone remedy (MHT) includes taking estrogen, progesterone, or a mix of each.

The combined messages concerning the security of MHT exemplify the fixed evolution of well being science, the place new data usually challenges current beliefs, Dr. Basella says.

“Science will not be black and white. There are numerous grey areas that require additional analysis,” says Bazzella. “That is why what is taken into account a fantasy immediately could have been thought-about new data previously. It is all a part of the method of studying and discovery.”

In 2002, a research by the Girls’s Well being Initiative advised that the usage of a mix of MHT (estrogen and progestin) will increase the chance of coronary heart illness and breast most cancers. The Mayo Clinic stated the research had numerous flaws, together with that it included older girls who had not too long ago gone by menopause and girls who used varieties of estrogen that aren’t normal in fashionable remedies.

“By re-evaluating this research and contemplating the affected person’s age when MHT was began and the hormonal formulation used, we now perceive that the dangers and advantages of MHT are extremely depending on the timing of initiation, the person’s well being profile, and the remedy formulation,” says Basella.

Based mostly on subsequent analysis, specialists now imagine that MHT is a protected and efficient technique for managing sure signs, resembling scorching flashes and night time sweats, for wholesome girls underneath 60 or inside 10 years of menopause.

“It could additionally assist forestall bone loss and enhance high quality of life,” Basella says. “The secret’s to decide on the suitable formulation, dose, and route of administration primarily based on every lady’s threat components.”

The U.S. Meals and Drug Administration has authorized a number of MHT merchandise, together with systemic (for the entire physique) and topical choices (for issues resembling vaginal dryness).

Nonetheless, MHT will not be protected for all girls, together with these with a historical past of sure cancers, those that have had a stroke or coronary heart assault, and people with a historical past of liver illness or blood clots.

“I commonly advocate MHT, nevertheless it doesn’t apply to everybody,” says Basella. “This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer… however with considerate evaluation, reasonable expectations, and ongoing monitoring, it may be a strong device.”

If in case you have questions on MHT, we encourage you to speak to your physician to be able to make knowledgeable sharing choices primarily based in your particular state of affairs.

Fantasy: Hormone remedy is the one technique to handle signs

When you’re not a candidate for MHT, or really feel prefer it’s not for you, there are a lot of different methods to really feel protected. “We are able to tailor our method to the affected person’s signs, medical issues, targets, preferences, and philosophy,” says Dr. Noble.

Different examples of remedies embrace:

non-hormonal medicationneurokinin antagonists (resembling fezolinetant), antidepressants, gabapentin, and oxybutynin.
cognitive behavioral remedycould scale back signs resembling temper modifications, sleep disturbances, and the influence of scorching flashes and night time sweats on high quality of life.
vaginal remedycomprises non-hormonal lubricants and moisturizers to alleviate dryness and discomfort.
Acupuncture and integrative remedyIt could scale back signs in some girls, particularly when mixed with different approaches.

Moreover, Basella says a wholesome life-style, together with common train, a balanced food regimen, stress discount, smoking cessation, and good sleep hygiene is essential, even when these habits do not immediately scale back signs. “All menopausal remedy ought to be along with these well being promotion fundamentals,” she says.

Fantasy: You possibly can’t have (good) intercourse after menopause

Whereas hormonal modifications can change your sense of intimacy, it is doable to take care of a vibrant intercourse life throughout and after menopause, Kothari says.

“When estrogen ranges drop, some girls expertise vaginal dryness and discomfort, which makes intercourse much less pleasing,” says Kothari. “The excellent news is that these signs are very treatable with moisturizers, lubricants, and low doses of vaginal estrogen that restore consolation and elasticity.”

Rahman additionally suggests extra components which may be affecting your intercourse life and relationships, resembling drugs, underlying well being circumstances, and stress. “For instance, treating despair and anxiousness can enhance sexual perform, however some remedies, resembling selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, could make signs worse (by lowering sexual want), so it is essential to know all of this and get assist from a sexual drugs specialist.”

Open communication together with your accomplice can be important, says Rahman, noting that intercourse remedy generally is a useful device. “Menopause positively impacts your intimate relationships, nevertheless it’s additionally a time to redefine your life and ask for what you need,” she says.

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Menopause is a pure transition that normally begins in center age, when the ovaries cease producing reproductive hormones resembling estrogen and progesterone.
Everybody’s expertise is completely different, however many ladies expertise quite a lot of signs, together with scorching flashes, night time sweats, vaginal dryness, and problem sleeping.
In case you are involved about your signs, speak to your well being care supplier about choices resembling life-style modifications, medical remedy, or a mix of complementary interventions resembling remedy or acupuncture.