What most people get wrong about menopause
Do you think menopause is all about hot flashes and the end of your monthly periods? Think again.
Many women don’t realize this phase of life can go on for years leading up to menopause itself. Understanding this and other lesser-known facts about menopause can help you prepare for the transition.
When does menopause occur?
While much attention is given to menopause, that phase is only a one-day event marking 12 months since a woman’s last menstrual cycle.
Many people are actually referring to perimenopause, the initial phase that can begin up to a decade before menopause. Perimenopause is the slow decline of estrogen and progesterone, leading to the end of a woman’s ability to reproduce.
“Many common symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats and brain fog, actually occur during perimenopause,” explains Dr. Tiffany Wilson, an OB-GYN at Advocate Health Care.
Are cold flashes a symptom of perimenopause?
In addition to hot flashes, you could also experience cold flashes during perimenopause. These sudden waves of intense chills can occur on their own or immediately after a hot flash as the body reacts to the spike in temperature.
“Wearing breathable, layered clothing can help you adjust quickly whether you’re experiencing a hot flash or a cold flash,” says Dr. Wilson.
Don’t rule out pregnancy during perimenopause
Although fertility declines during perimenopause, it is still possible to get pregnant during this phase. Both pregnancy and perimenopause cause similar symptoms, such as missed periods, mood swings, headaches and weight changes.
“The key difference is perimenopause often brings gradual menstrual irregularity and pregnancy is a missed period,” says Dr. Wilson. “If you’re over age 40 and sexually active, you might want to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.”
Your doctor can help with menopause
Many women go through menopause with little trouble. Self–care strategies can help, such as getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy and exercising. Hormone therapy and other medications can also help alleviate symptoms.
“Even if your symptoms are mild, talk to your health care provider about what you’re experiencing. You can work together to determine what options are appropriate to help you find relief,” says Dr. Wilson.
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About the Author
health enews contributor, is a digital content strategist at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She studied journalism at Eastern Illinois University and received a master’s degree in writing from DePaul University. A former newspaper reporter, she’s worked in health care communications for the last decade. In her spare time, Vicki enjoys tackling her "to be read" pile, volunteering and planning fun activities to do in the Chicago area with her husband and son.
