Menopause myths and truths women don't know

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- From night sweats to weight gain and mood swings, menopause signals the start of a negative life change for many women.

But menopause doesn't have to be all bad; it could mean a new beginning. Just ask Staness Jonekos.

"Menopause, I have to say, was maybe one of the best things that has ever happened to me," she said.

In fact, after a few lifestyle changes, Jonekos looks and feels better than ever before. Dr. Chrisandra Shufelt says the biggest myth about menopause is women see it as the beginning of the end.

"Women need to understand that menopause is a transition," said Shufelt.

Another big myth is that menopause signals the end of your sex life. While a drop in hormones has an impact, general health and social factors like marital status carry more weight. To amp up your libido, experts recommend exercising and staying sexually active. Having sex stimulates blood flow to your organs and keeps them healthy.

What about depression? While hormone changes may be responsible for some symptoms like mood swings, they're different from true clinical symptoms - and they go away.

"Menopause is just a door we walk through into another stage," said Jonekos.

With the right attitude, it's a door you can look forward to.

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health, women's health, healthy living, denise dador

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