Menopause
Test Your Knowledge of Menopause
By: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
For many women, menopause marks the beginning of a new, enjoyable and productive time of life. Yet, lingering misunderstandings can cause some women to worry unnecessarily about this natural process. Test your knowledge with this true-false quiz:
Most women reach menopause by age 50. FALSE. A woman is considered to have completed menopause when she has had no menstrual periods for one full year. The average age of menopause for U.S. women is 51, but this means that many women reach menopause earlier or later than that.
The changes that signal the approach of menopause can take several years. TRUE. Perimenopause, the transition time leading up to menopause, generally lasts for three to five years, but can be longer or shorter. During this time a woman may experience changes in her menstrual cycles or notice other changes such as hot flashes or night sweats.
Women who are having menopausal symptoms can't get pregnant. FALSE. During perimenopause, women may experience irregular periods while still maintaining the ability to become pregnant. Until you have gone one year without a menstrual period, use birth control if you don't wish to become pregnant.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) causes more problems than it solves. FALSE. ERT protects against osteoporosis and heart disease, the number one killer of women. ERT can also relieve many of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness. However, studies are still under way on whether ERT definitely increases the risk of breast cancer: one recent study suggests there may be a slightly increased risk for long-term users of ERT. For many women -- particularly those with a family history of heart disease -- the benefits of ERT usually outweigh its risks. But ERT is not for everyone. Discuss the pros and cons of ERT with your gynecologist.
Sex may be more enjoyable after menopause. TRUE. Many women find new sexual enjoyment at this stage, particularly with the fear of pregnancy gone. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, however, over-the-counter lubricants or ERT can help.
All women going through menopause are moody. FALSE. Many women breeze through menopause with little or no emotional symptoms, while others may experience mood swings or other emotional changes. Discuss any symptoms with your physician, who may suggest ERT or other forms of treatment. Talking with your doctor about your needs can help you make these the best years yet.
LINKS:
This is a list of online support groups for menopause
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