When it comes to menopause, there are plenty of misconceptions circulating amongst the general public. In order to be more knowledgeable and in control during this difficult phase of life, it is important that you can separate the truths from the untruths. Here is a look at a few common myths regarding menopause.

Myth: Menopause is normal and natural and therefore not a concern at all. Menopause is a normal part of life for a female but that does not mean that it should not be respected or properly handled. Very few women breeze through menopause without noticing any changes. As well, menopause brings with it certain risks that are related to a drop in estrogen levels. Understanding the risks and how to avoid them is essential to the health of a menopausal woman. For example, osteoporosis is a condition that can occur at this point in a woman’s life if she does not properly protect herself against it. Talk to your physician about the risk factors.

Myth: Menopause and depression go hand in hand. One of the potential symptoms of menopause is depression but it is not the same as clinical depression. The many changes that a woman experiences during menopause can make her feel depressed, sad and slightly nostalgic. Some women are bothered by the fact that their child bearing days are behind them and grieve the passing of their youth. In most instances the depression is a mild one that will pass in time. In rare instances, a short course of antidepressants may be required.

Myth: Menopause begins at age 50. This is not so much a myth but is a potential truth. Menopause is very individual in its nature. For most women, menopause begins somewhere around the age of 50 to 52. However this is an approximate age as no two women are exactly the same. Menopause officially begins after a woman has gone a full 12 months without a menstrual period. Women must go through perimenopause before they reach menopause and this is not the same for every woman either. There are women who enter menopause prematurely and there are also women who start menopause early due to surgery related reasons. There are also women who fall to the opposite end of the spectrum and do not begin menopause until they are in their mid to late 50’s. Some women experience menopause symptoms for a longer span of time than do others.

Menopausal women are no longer interested in intimate relations. Intimacy is still possible, and any tendency toward dryness can be handled with lubricants and other treatments. In fact, many women discover that they feel more interested than before, because they’ve reached a stage where they are confident and free. The kids are grown, so those exhausting child-raising duties are finished. And not having to watch for approaching menstrual periods or worry about getting pregnant? That is actually liberation for many women.

Do you think you might be experiencing early menopause? If so, you need to know what the symptoms are and how to manage them. Visit the Menopause Symptoms site for the advice you need to help you through this stressful time of life.