5 Encouraging Facts About Menopause

Menopause describes the stopping of a women’s menstrual cycle, and it’s a regular part of aging. It doesn’t mean that you’ve got a disease or that your body is failing. Menopause usually affects women over 50, but the beginnings of menopause — or perimenopause — can start long before that.

Menopause can present in different ways for different people, but it’s often an uncomfortable process, and many women have adopted negative associations about this time of life. However, not everything about menopause is bad.

Karen Mass, MD, FACOG and our team at Women’s Specialty Care have five encouraging facts about menopause so you don’t have to dread this phase of your life, whether you’re experiencing it now or whether it’s still a little while off in the future.

1. Menopause is not sudden

You don’t have to worry about waking up one day and suddenly experiencing menopause. Once you hit your 30s, your estrogen and progesterone levels start to decrease, so menopause won’t be a distinct point in time, but rather a gradual process.

2. There are available treatments

If menopause is affecting your quality of life, there are many different methods for providing you with some relief. Depending on what symptoms are bothering you most, your provider can offer hormone treatments, antidepressants, and/or medications for bone strength.

3. Getting pregnant is still an option

Because perimenopause is such a long process, it’s still possible to become pregnant during that time. As long as you continue to menstruate, pregnancy is an option. In addition, with today’s technology, donor eggs and embryos are still viable ways to get pregnant after menstruation has ended.

4. Weight gain is not guaranteed

According to studies, most women are going to gain a little bit of weight during menopause. However, it’s not guaranteed to be substantial. And any weight you may put on can be managed through lifestyle changes.

5. Your body will still produce hormones

Just because your body no longer produces estrogen from your ovaries, it doesn’t mean production stops altogether. Your body still needs and makes estrogen, it’s just in smaller amounts. 

It’s normal to feel concerned about menopause and how it can affect your well-being. But know that it’s not the end, just the beginning of a new chapter in your life. 

If you have questions or concerns about menopause or perimenopause, don’t hesitate to contact our office by calling 847-295-0433, or use our online scheduler to request an appointment with us today.