Hot flushes, mood swings, a loss of libido... is menopause always what people think it is?

1. You only get menopause in your fifties

No. The average age of menopause is currently about 52, however, with an average age span from 45 to 55.

It should be noted that early menopause can occur as a result of surgery and from chemotherapy treatments such as for breast cancer and leukemia. Surgically induced menopause is also referred to as artificial menopause. For example, when a woman has a hysterectomy or uterine removal with ovarian removal; this is artificial menopause.

Young women and even teenage girls can suffer from premature ovarian failure. This means they will have difficulties with fertility (technically some women with premature menopause use donor eggs and so do still experience motherhood) won’t experience the joy of motherhood and puts them at risk of osteoporosis.

2. Menopausal women lose their libido

No. Women may lose their libido for other reasons but not as a result of menopause. But after menopause physical affects can include being at greater risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and (the jury is still out on colon cancer and taking some HRT can even reduce the risk of colon cancer)colon cancer because they are producing less hormones. Women may need to undergo hormone replacement therapy, less oestrogen where they are given medications with oestrogen and progestin, before and during menopause.

3. Menopause makes you gain weight

No. Weight gain is not a result of menopause, however, women often gain more weight as they get older. In particular, they gain weight around their stomachs and become more pear-shaped.

4. Menopausal women do not need contraception

It’s rare but women can still fall pregnant up to 12 months after their period ends. So it is important to continue contraception for that initial period.

5. Menopause causes depression
Although women do often experience mood swings and depression at the same time as menopause, females with a family or personal history of depression or a previous psychological illness are more likely to experience depression. Poor lifestyle and negative attitude also increase the chances of depression

More info:
http://www.jeanhailes.org.au/