Every year around 1.3 million women experience menopause. Even though it's a natural stage in a woman's life, women often face menopause with a mixture of loss, anxiety and dread.

That's why two professors, Ann Lutich, M.D., a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Meredith McClure M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, both at University of Texas, Southwestern, set out to address and debunk the most common myths surrounding menopause. Lutich and McClure stress that today more than ever women have resources and options that can help them cope with the symptoms of menopause.

When taken under the care of a board-certified women's health provider, hormone therapy is considered one of the safest and most effective treatments.

MYTH #1: Menopause means you're getting old.

 Truth: Menopause is a natural cycle in women's lives and doesn't necessarily translate to aging.

  • Perimenopause usually begins between 8 and 10 years before full-blown menopause. It often starts in the 40's but can begin as early as the 20's or 30's. When it does, estrogen production starts to fluctuate.
  • Menopause is the term for the end of menstrual periods for at least 12 months and commonly happens between the ages of 45 and 55.

MYTH #2: Hormone therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms is too risky.

Truth: When taken under the care of a board-certified women's health provider, hormone therapy is considered one of the safest and most effective treatments.

  • It can increase lifespan, reduce the risk of colon cancer, diabetes and bone loss (osteoporosis), as well as relieve a wide range of menopause symptoms including hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, bone loss (osteoporosis), weight gain, night sweats and chills, urinary incontinence, insomnia, thinning hair, dry skin and low libido.
  • Estrogen also promotes a balanced pH in the vagina which helps to eliminate the risk of UTI's and bacterial vaginosis (a common vaginal infection).

There are usually two ways to take hormone therapy:

  • Systemically. Taken as pills, skin patches, gels or sprays, it circulates hormones throughout the body.
  • Vaginally. Taken as cream, tablet ring or suppository, this type of treatment is applied directly to the vagina.

About 75 percent of perimenopausal women experience night sweats.

Based on your own health and family history, your healthcare provider can help you find the type and formulation that is best for you.

MYTH #3: You have to live with hot flashes, moodiness, low sex drive, urinary urgency and interrupted sleep patterns.

Truth: There are effective ways to deal with these issues. For example:

  • About 75 percent of perimenopausal women experience night sweats. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as FDA approved non-hormonal treatments (such as antidepressants) can help minimalize hot flashes.
  • Hormone treatments are also effective in eliminating or reducing night sweats.
  • Relieving vaginal dryness with estrogen can restore some desire, but there are other aspects of mid-life that can lower it. If lifestyle changes and treatment don't help to boost the libido, options such as cognitive behavioral (talk) therapy or other types of therapy may help to rekindle desire.

    • You can counteract weight gain and muscle weakness by exercising and eating well.

  • Urinary urgency, or the sudden and urgent need to urinate, will sometimes result in leakage or urinary incontinence. Since it's often caused by change in pelvic floor muscles, the condition can be treated in several ways: a pessary (an inserted device that supports the bladder), medications, pelvic floor exercises, collagen or water-based injections that narrow the urethra and reduce leakage, or surgery.

MYTH #4: Menopause always means loss of muscle and weight gain.

Truth: Both men and women experience loss of muscle mass as they age, but that doesn't mean they will inevitably become soft and weak. You can counteract weight gain and muscle weakness by:

  • Exercising. Yoga, Pilates, using ankle weights when you walk, 15-minutes of resistance training with bands — all work to counteract weakness.
  • Eating right. Nutrition plays an important role. Eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. All support muscle health. Adequate hydration is also important.

The treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms isn't one-size fits all. Lutich and McClure want you to know that every woman is unique. Personalized care and support are important.

Your obstetrician/gynecologist can help with your menopause symptoms, and if needed, can refer you to a menopause specialist. You can also check the North American Menopause Society which offers a national directory of healthcare providers at https://www.menopause.org/.