44 THE COURIER SUN • SENIOR LIVING • AUGUST 15, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com THE TRUTH ABOUT MENOPAUSE Even in today’s information age, myths about menopause and women’s changing bodies abound and can take a huge toll on women. Half of women say their anxiety around menopause is caused by not knowing enough about this life stage and nearly half of menopausal senior living women feel less confi dent once they start experiencing menopausal symptoms. For women going through this transitional stage of life, debunking myths and fi nding solutions to help them stand up to the symptoms of menopause can empower and help them lead happier, healthier lives. “Just like all girls go through adolescence, all women go through menopause. It’s a natural phase of life that has sadly been stigmatized as an illness,” says Dr. Vivian Diller, a psychologist and author of FACE IT: What Women Really Feel As Their Looks Change. “Fortunately perceptions of menopause are changing and women are more eager to empower themselves with the facts that can help them talk more comfortably about and live more confi dently through this life stage.” Myth: Menopause is to blame for all mid-life changes that occur in a woman’s body. Fact: Many factors, including one’s overall lifestyle and health, can infl uence changes in a woman’s body. As they age, women may experience weight gain, vision and hearing reduction or develop facial wrinkles - all of which cannot be attributed to menopause. Myth: When it comes to life’s changes, women just have to tough it out. Fact: From medication to non-medicinal products, there are many options available to help women. Myth: Forgetfulness is just a part of menopause. Fact: Forgetfulness is a symptom of menopause, but it’s not one that impacts memory in the long-term. While there is some evidence that fl uctuating estrogen may infl uence the part of the brain that affects sleep, moods and memory, it’s more likely that menopause impacts a woman’s ability to concentrate, absorb and recall information. Myth: Light bladder leakage is inevitable during menopause. Fact: During menopause, a decline in estrogen levels may weaken the pelvic fl oor muscles that support bladder control, contributing to LBL (light bladder leakage). Though not all menopausal women experience LBL, it is a common condition that one-in-three women will ultimately face. Myth: Menopause signals the end of a woman’s sex life. Fact: Many menopausal women report enjoying sex every bit as much as and sometimes more than their younger counterparts. But vaginal dryness can be one not so glorious side effect of this lifestage that can negatively impact women’s intimate experiences. Fortunately lubricants can provide some relief; and since sexual health is important at any age, women who experience signifi cant vaginal dryness or loss of libido during menopause should discuss that change with their doctors. Courtesy BPT Braces for Children & Adults • Low Down Payment Affordable Monthly Payments • Free Consultations Sabeeh R. Khan, DDS Merrick (516) 378-1033 Jericho (516) 932-6200 Maspeth (718) 533-6200 www.KhanOrtho.com beautiful smiles start here! of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com You Vote. They Win. Vote for your favorites in FAMILY & RECREATION Vote now through September 12, 2013 Go to QueensCourier.com to cast your vote. You may vote for your favorite business or your own business in Queens. FAMILY & RECREATION MAKE SURE YOUR FAVORITES WIN! Voting ends September 12, 2013 VOat TE follow us on twitter @BestoftheBoro like us on facebook.com/ BestoftheBoro www.QueensCourier.com
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