Myths

Can a female in her early 20's go through menopause? Should a women experiencing menopause give up sex? If estrogen therapy increases your chances of developing breast cancer, why undergo that form of treatment? What's the link between estrogen and osteoporosis? Can taking estrogen reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? What role does alternative medicine play in helping menopausal women?

Unfortunately, misconceptions abound in the field of women's health. Erroneous media reports and rumors have contributed to the confusion and many women just do not feel comfortable discussing certain personal issues with their physicians. The result? Too many women are not living full, healthy lives and far too many are suffering needlessly.

Among The Myths:

• "Women Are Scatterbrains -- Not Meant To Be Taken Seriously By Men"
  Many women -- even those in positions of tremendous power -- suffer from memory loss, lack of concentration and other related dysfunctions, yet such symptoms are many times related to an easily treatable hormone imbalance. They don't have to retire from their careers; they simple need treatment.
  

• "Menopause Starts When The Periods Stop"
  A women can be experiencing menopause and still have her monthly periods. She can be experiencing several symptoms that many physicians might not recognize thus resulting in the loss of valuable time in receiving much-needed treatment.
  

• "Only Middle Aged Women Suffer From Menopause"
  Not true. Women as young as 20 have begun the change of life and are needlessly suffering from the symptoms because well-intentioned physicians (mostly men) don't even recognize the signs.
  

• "Menopausal Women Should Give Up On Sex"
  The pain involved with having sex among women with menopause is often caused by lack of natural lubrication. The condition is easily treatable and women should not give up on sex so easily.
  

• "Taking Estrogen Causes Breast Cancer"
  The chance of developing breast cancer due to taking estrogen pales in comparison to the risk of heart disease (the number one killer of women) due to not taking estrogen.
  

• "Osteoporosis Is An Unavoidable Consequence Of Old Age In Women"
  Too few women's health specialists understand the complexities of osteoporosis -- a degenerative bone condition often found in women. The condition could be substantially reduced and, in some cases, eliminated with estrogen therapy.
  

• "Mood Swings Are A Natural Part Of Womanhood"
  Women expect to experience mood swings, particularly when menopause begins. Such emotional highs and lows can destroy family lives and successful careers. MOOD SWINGS CAN BE CONTROLLED!
  

Adding to the confusion experienced by many patients is the fact that even many well-intentioned and otherwise knowledgeable physicians are not adept at recognizing the myriad of women's health issues. Therefore, in order to achieve optimum well being, it is important that women take charge of their own health. Find a qualified physician who specializes in women's health and be forthright with him/her, read up on the latest health news concerning issues that are important to women (e.g., estrogen replacement, menopause, breast care, osteoporosis, etc.) and discuss such topics with your physician. Also learn about your family's medical history and leave no stone unturned during this time of exploration and share your experiences with your friends -- it could be a matter of life or death.