Uncover the positive things about menopause

When you think of menopause, you may be more likely to think of the not-so-great parts of this life transition. But just like any big change, you have to embrace both the ups and the downs. While menopause does come with some challenges, there are positive aspects of menopause, too.

“In years past, there’s been a stigma surrounding menopause, with many women seeing it as a negative thing they had to deal with alone,” said Melanie Lagomichos, DO, an OBGYN on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Fort Worth. “However, the changes in their bodies during menopause can bring some unexpected benefits. And women have more options than ever to ease symptoms and support well-being during this stage.”

What is menopause?

By definition, you’re considered to have reached menopause when you’ve gone 12 months—one full year—without a menstrual period. The average menopause age is 51. But there’s a wide range of normal, with most women reaching menopause between 45 and 55. Women may experience signs and symptoms of perimenopause up to seven to 10 years before the end of their monthly period.

“In the years leading up to menopause, your estrogen levels start to decrease, and you experience fluctuations in your hormone levels that can lead to changes in your cycle,” Dr. Lagomichos said. “Once you reach menopause, your body produces lower amounts of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone than before.”

Post-menopausal life changes

The changes in your hormone levels after menopause lead to differences in your body, and for many women, this brings a new focus when it comes to health and well-being. Menopause may increase your risk for certain medical conditions, like heart disease or osteoporosis. At the same time, you become less likely to have other medical conditions and may gain a new sense of emotional freedom after menopause.

The physical benefits of menopause

One of the main physical benefits of menopause is saying goodbye to your monthly period—including the bleeding, cramping and other symptoms that go with it. This also means no more premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in the days leading up to your period, which affects as many as 90% of women who have periods.

“People often say that the end of menstruation is the best thing about menopause,” said Dr. Lagomichos. “Many also benefit from the reduction of symptoms from conditions affected by their periods. From uterine fibroids to endometriosis, women may get long-lasting relief when they reach menopause.”

Before menopause, it’s common to have dense breast tissue or experience fibrocystic breast changes with your menstrual cycle. In the post-menopause years, breast tissue typically becomes fatty and less dense. This can make it easier to get a clear picture during your annual screening mammogram, potentially reducing the need for additional imaging tests.

For women who notice a connection between their migraines and their menstrual cycle, menopause could also bring the benefit of fewer headaches. Menstrual migraines are triggered by normal changes in hormone levels each month. After menopause, lower levels and fewer fluctuations can make these headaches less likely to happen.

The emotional benefits of menopause

Along with leaving behind physical symptoms and conditions related to your menstrual cycle, you may benefit from the emotional benefits of not having to deal with a period as well. Once you reach menopause, there are no more mood swings in the days before your period or worry or stress about planning life around this time of the month.  

Some women report an increased enjoyment of sex because they don’t have to worry about pregnancy. While safe sex practices and sexually transmitted infection prevention are just as important after menopause, women may find a sense of freedom in no longer having to manage birth control options to prevent pregnancy.

“Not having to worry about contraception is another benefit of menopause,” said Dr. Lagomichos. “But it’s important for women to remember that it’s still possible to become pregnant during perimenopause. They should continue birth control methods until their doctor confirms they’ve reached menopause.”

Beyond the emotional benefits of not having a period, you may find a renewed sense of confidence during this stage. Many women feel more established in their relationships, careers and sense of self during the post-menopausal years. And this allows them to direct their time and energy into caring for themselves and what matters most to them.  

Embracing life after menopause

No one’s experience with menopause will look just like yours. But by knowing the basics of what to expect and embracing the positive side, you can feel more confident as you move forward through this stage.

"It's also okay if this doesn't sound like you—not everyone goes through menopause or perimenopause in the same way.  The important thing is to recognize and talk to your provider about these symptoms,” said Dr. Lagomichos.

Symptoms of menopause can include:

• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain with intercourse
• Lower sex drive

“Being open with and talking to your doctor is the first step in helping improve your quality of life,” said Dr. Lagomichos.

If you face more challenges than expected, get the right support. With a trusted doctor by your side, you can stay in control of your wellness during menopause—and even enjoy the benefits.