It's hard to believe our society is so rife with misinformation and unanswered questions about a routine stage of life that half the planet moves through, but this is pretty much the case with menopause.
Luckily, things are starting to shift: Women are talking more and more about this natural process, which has been brought into the open in part by the proliferation of books on the topic, free-speaking celebrities and "femtech" apps, along with diets and remedies pitched to menopausal women. "But it's still not something every woman hears about from her mother or sister," says Jackie Thielen, M.D., director of the women's health specialty clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL.
The term "menopause" can be confusing even for doctors, says Stephanie Faubion, M.D., medical director of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health in Rochester, MN. People use the word to mean everything from a first skipped period to the decades after bleeding has stopped. But most of those definitions aren't exactly accurate.
Menopause, stage by stage
A big piece of the confusion is that women tend to say they’re “in menopause.” But that phrase actually has little scientific meaning. Perimenopause is the stage when your ovaries start producing fewer hormones and your periods become less regular. The term “menopause” refers to one year after your last menstrual flow — which you can’t know you’ve hit until those 12 months have passed. Menopause itself is really more of a line in the sand, something you’ve passed as opposed to a phase you can be “in.” Everything else, the months and years following the one-year mark? That’s postmenopause.
Denne historien er fra November 2022-utgaven av Good House Keeping - US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2022-utgaven av Good House Keeping - US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Great Gifts for Pet Lovers
Tie a bow around one of these - they're perfect for four-legged friends and those who love them.
Sister Act
Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George spoke to our sister publication in the U.K. about their new cookbook and the secret ingredient in all their favorite dishes: love.
Cookie Wonder
The Test Kitchen baked more than 700 cookies (that's about 60 dozen!) to perfect the tastiest treats for your holiday table.
Fuel Your Mornings
Jump-start the day with these easy, healthy breakfast ideas.
The Best Heartburn Helpers
'Tis the season for giant, festive meals. Here's how to enjoy your holiday favorites minus the discomfort.
OUR FAVORITE WINTER READ Cozy Up
Best Winter Reads
The Magic OF MI FAMILIA
When I was a kid, every Sunday with my Mexican American community - full of wonderful traditions and warm tortillas - felt like a holiday.
DECORATE WITH Rugs
Follow these expert tips to choose the best rug style, material and size for your space.
Sparkle ALL THE Way
Bring on the holiday cheer with these creative DIY decor ideas the whole family will love.
All IS Bright!
Dress up your makeup for the holidays with a festive flash of eye-catching color. Just pick a standout shade as well as a feature to highlight and keep the rest of your look simple.