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The truth about menopause: Debunking the myths for a happier, healthier, more satisfying life

(BPT) - 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 women feel less confident once they start experiencing menopausal symptoms. For women going through this transitional stage of life, debunking myths and finding 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 confidently through this life stage. And Poise.com is one resource that is available to help women separate the menopause myths from the facts.”

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 influence 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. The Poise brand offers a line of award-winning feminine wellness products that help address life’s changes. The Poise brand has products for daily freshness, hot flash comfort, and intimacy. Visit www.Poise.com to learn more.

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 fluctuating estrogen may influence 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 floor 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 significant vaginal dryness or loss of libido during menopause should discuss that change with their doctors.

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