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Women's Health

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Menopausal Myths

How best to sort through menopausal truth and fiction.

By Dr. Mary O'ToolePublished: August, 2004

Can a female in her early 20s go through menopause? Does a woman experiencing menopause have to give up on sex? What's the link between menopause and osteoporosis? What role does alternative medicine play in helping menopausal women?

Unfortunately, misconceptions abound in the field of women's health. Erroneous media reports and rumors have contributed to the confusion and many women just do not feel comfortable discussing certain personal issues with their physicians. The result? Too many women are not living full, healthy lives and far too many are suffering needlessly.

Among the "menopausal myths":

ONLY MIDDLE-AGED
WOMEN SUFFER FROM MENOPAUSE.
Not true. Women as young as 20 have begun the change of life and are needlessly suffering from the symptoms because many well-intentioned physicians don't even recognize the signs.

MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
SHOULD GIVE UP ON SEX.
The pain involved with having sex among women with menopause is often caused by lack of natural lubrication. The condition is easily treatable and women should not give up on sex so easily.

OSTEOPOROSIS IS AN UNAVOIDABLE
CONSEQUENCE OF OLD AGE IN WOMEN.
Too few women's health specialists understand the complexities of osteoporosis - a degenerative bone condition often found in women. The condition could be substantially reduced and, in some cases, eliminated with estrogen therapy.

MOOD SWINGS ARE A NATURAL PART OF WOMANHOOD.
Women expect to experience mood swings, particularly when menopause begins. Such emotional highs and lows can destroy family lives and successful careers.

Many women - even those in positions of tremendous power - suffer from memory loss, lack of concentration and other related dysfunctions, yet such symptoms are many times related to an easily treatable hormone imbalance. They don't have to retire from their careers; they simply need treatment.

MENOPAUSE STARTS WHEN PERIODS STOP.
A woman can experience menopause and still have her monthly periods. She could be experiencing severe symptoms that many physicians might not recognize, thus resulting the loss of valuable time in receiving much-needed treatment.

Adding to the confusion experienced by many patients is the fact that even many well-intentioned and otherwise knowledgeable physicians are not adept at recognizing the myriad of women's health issues. Therefore, in order to achieve optimum well being, it is imperative that women take charge of their own health. Find a qualified physician who specializes in women's health and be forthright with him/her, read up on the latest health news concerning issues that are important to women (e.g., estrogen replacement, menopause, breast care, osteoporosis, etc.) and discuss such topics with your physician.

Also, learn about your family's medical history and leave no stone unturned during this time of exploration and share your experiences with your friends. It could be a matter of life and death. OCF

Dr. Mary O'Toole is a board certified OB/Gyn and principal member of Orange Coast Women's Medical Group in Laguna Hills, one of Southern California's foremost medical practices dedicated exclusively to treating women.

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