Menopause Myths and Misconceptions

Menopause is not a life event to fear, but, much like aging, the biological changes that occur during menopause increase the risk of developing certain health conditions:

• Heart Disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both women and men. Before menopause, women actually have a much lower risk of heart disease than men, but this discrepancy evens out once a woman has gone through menopause. Luckily, regular exercise and a healthy diet can go a long way in preventing cardiovascular issues.
• Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition involving the reduction of bone density, which causes bones to become weak and brittle and increases the risk of fractures. After the age of 80, up to 70 percent of women develop this condition. Regular weight-bearing exercise along with a healthy diet can help curb the reduction of bone density that occurs with aging. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to prevent further bone loss and strengthen already weak bones.
• Urinary Incontinence. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the elasticity of tissue in the vagina and urethra. These changes may lead to frequent, sudden and strong urges to urinate. In some cases, these changes can cause an involuntary loss of urine (known as urge incontinence), or the loss of urine while laughing or coughing (stress incontinence). Thankfully, some treatment options can improve these issues. Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which reduces sudden urinary urges and allows for greater bladder control. In addition, topical vaginal estrogen creams may relieve symptoms.