22-04-2025
Five ‘shocking' facts about menopause that you probably didn't know
Menopause is a normal and healthy part of many of our lives - but there are things you may not know about it.
Over half the population will go through menopause as they age. But even in 2025, the subject can feel taboo.
A doctor has shed some light on this often mysterious biological process that may surprise you. Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, explains the NHS.
It typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, but can happen earlier. Menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months of no periods.
The time period leading up to the menopause, that includes symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods, is called perimenopause. And a social media doctor has shared some 'shocking' facts about the menopause that many of us may not know.
Dr Youn boasts over 8.5million followers on TikTok, where he often shares health advice. He recently shared a video on his TikTok profile discussing some surprising facts about the menopause.
Dr Youn said: "I bet you don't know these five shocking facts about the menopause."
Menopause can cause a 'frozen shoulder'
The doctor said: "Menopause can cause you to have a frozen shoulder".
A 'frozen shoulder' is characterised by pain and stiffness in the shoulder, and is common for women of menopausal and perimenopausal age.
The Menopause Specialists' website explains that while there's no definitive link between menopause and frozen shoulder, hormonal changes during this period could potentially increase the risk or exacerbate symptoms.
Menopause can cause trouble sleeping
Trouble sleeping is a very common symptom during menopause, affecting many women, according to the Sleep Foundation.
The decline in oestrogen levels during menopause can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, which can disrupt sleep. Additionally, hormonal changes can contribute to anxiety and depression, further impacting sleep quality.
Menopause can cause higher cholesterol
The next surprising fact the expert shared about menopause is that it can cause higher cholesterol levels.
The British Heart Foundation indeed explains that during and after menopause, women often experience a rise in cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol, and a decrease in HDL (good) cholesterol.
This is primarily due to the decline in oestrogen, which plays a role in regulating cholesterol. This increase in cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The most common treatment for menopause is anti-depressants
Menopause is known to seriously affect mood and mental health. Dr Youn said: "The most common medication for peri and post-menopausal women is not hormone replacement therapy [HRT]. It's anti-depressants."
Website Balance Menopause explains that antidepressants are often prescribed for menopause-related symptoms, especially when patients don't have a diagnosis of clinical depression.
However, HRT is generally more widely-associated with treatment for menopause symptoms.
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