10 Question Menopause Quiz: How Much Do You Really Know?

Life is nothing if not the opportunity to continuously learn about, well, anything you’re interested in, especially yourself. In our ongoing quest to help answer questions around the hormonal journey, we thought it would be fun to test your menopause knowledge. A fun test? Absolutely, because this one provides helpful clarification around some of the common questions you might have. And, afterall, knowledge is power.

Get ready. Get set. Let’s take the Gennev team’s 10 Question Menopause Quiz!

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The 10 Question Quiz For Menopause

1. Should you continue to use birth control even if the frequency of your periods decreases?
   
   
2. Does the arrival of perimenopause mean no more PMS?
   
   
3. What’s the average age for menopause to begin?
   
   
4. Could smoking bring menopause on sooner? 
   
   
5. Is it true that soy products may help alleviate some menopause symptoms?
   
   
6. Are there any mammals that experience menopause?
   
   
7. Is there a test that will confirm the onset of perimenopause?
   
   
8. “Manopause.” Does it exist?
   
   
9. Are there natural medicinal alternatives that may help with perimenopause and menopausal symptoms?
   
   
10. Will menopause spell the end of my sex life?

Answers

1. True! Until you’ve gone a full year with no periods (which is the definition of “menopause”), you may still be fertile, so continue using birth control because you may still get pregnant until your one-year meno-versary (and yes, we just made that term up). Also, you should probably check in with your doctor if your periods are changing in any way.*
2. Wouldn’t that be awesome? But it’s false. The onset of perimenopause may actually make PMS symptoms worse for a while. Irregular ovulation, fluctuating hormones--even perhaps our lessening ability to deal with PMS because of perimenopausal symptoms--all contribute to this fact. Talk to your doctor* about treatments that can help relieve some of the symptoms of PMS.
3. The average age of menopause is 51 for women in the US. If you chose 42, that’s probably because it’s the answer to life, the universe, and everything. It’s just not the answer to this question. It is important to note, though, that this is just an average. We’re all individuals, and our hormonal journeys will be unique to us.
4. Smoking can cause menopause to start as much as two years sooner. While two extra period-free years may sound like a bonus, it’s important to remember that estrogen protects us from many health concerns. Two extra years of no periods can also mean two years of increased bone loss and increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer.
5. Soy lovers rejoice: It’s true! Certain plants such as soy contain phytoestrogens which can mimic some of the behavior of women’s natural estrogen. Eating tofu, edamame, miso, and tempeh may help reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. However, there are potential drawbacks to over-consumption of soy. Soy can lead to a possible higher risk of breast cancer, so, as always, talk to your doctor.*
6. Orcas also experience menopause, and we think the ocean sounds like the perfect place to be during a hot flash, frankly. Scientists theorize one reason orcas and human women cease reproduction relatively early in their lives is because the community benefits more from their wisdom than their reproduction. We think society can benefit from women’s wisdom any time in their lives. Probably pods, too.
7. While most women assume menopause is the reason for their symptoms and don’t get a formal diagnosis, it is possible to determine onset of menopause by taking a test. A blood test can determine if FSH—the follicle stimulating hormone—is at menopausal levels. Women with a history of thyroid issues may want to be tested to be sure the issues they’re experiencing are menopause or perimenopause and not due to thyroid malfunction.
8. “Manopause” (OK, it’s actually “andropause” but come on, “manopause” is much funnier) is actually a decrease in the male sexual hormone testosterone. Defined as “a syndrome associated with a decrease in sexual satisfaction or a decline in a feeling of general well-being with low levels of testosterone in older men,” this hormonal decline happens much more gradually than the drop off in estrogen in women, and therefore symptoms are usually less dramatic. So yes, it’s true that men experience hormonal changes, too--though we’re not willing to go so far as to say their experience is on par with what a woman goes through in menopause.
9. Very true! Many women report great success in managing a variety of menopausal symptoms through the use of natural medicine. You may lower menopause symptoms through acupuncture, herbal supplements, and meditation. And it’s entirely possible that one of the above or many of the options not mentioned will help you. As always, though, check with your doctor before exploring any options outside of what you’re currently using to manage your perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms.*
10. False, though you’re going to have to work a bit harder to keep sex fun, easy, and something you’re just as interested in as you were before menopause. Don’t settle for a sexless marriage in menopause. Changes in hormones can make for painful sex, so you’ll be investigating various lubes, sex toys (we recommend you try the Lionness Vibrator), and such to see what helps. Also, your desire for sex may wane, so more homework may be required to identify erotic options that stimulate both your mind and your body. Honestly, though, can tht even be called homework? We think not.

How did you do?

8 – 10 correct: You are a Hot Flash! (in a good way)

Menopause holds few mysteries for you. Go forth and spread your wisdom to the uneducated masses. You probably give menopausal colleagues tiny fans for their desks and bring your special, hot-flash-relieving soy-slaw to every office picnic. You are adored. Bask in your awesomeness.

4 - 7 correct: Congratulations, Menomaven!

Your knowledge of menopause, while not perfect, exceeds most folks’, and for that you should be proud. We’re guessing what you don’t know, you’re always willing to learn and share, and you are probably the office go-to for resources. You don’t shy away from hormone conversations and can say the word “vaginal” in public. Celebrate your greatness.

1 - 3 correct: So, just FYI, “menarche” is not the queen of England.

(It’s actually the onset of periods.) So, you’ve got a few gaps. Who doesn’t? Having the facts on menopause and women’s hormonal journeys generally can increase understanding, empathy, and all manner of good things. You’re here on this blog, taking this quiz, so we can only believe you know that and are bumping up your meno-smarts as we speak. And for that, we thank you.

*It is not Gennev’s intention to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and Gennev urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.

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