Brain fog, insomnia, depression. Why are these menopause symptoms so surprising?

This week, we explore the primary health concerns for women in their 50s, ask about the benefits of decaf coffee and why we don’t know if mammograms save lives, and discover one clearer cause of extreme weather.

Why does menopause come as a surprise?

We know it’s coming, but you don’t really know you’re in the phase until you feel the symptoms. The average age when menopause hits is 51, and the median length of time it lasts is more than seven years.A woman’s 50s may bring more dramatic changes to her health than any other period (symptoms illustrated above).

Do screenings save lives?

Why can’t doctors agree? Breast cancer research is a well-funded area, but when it comes to guidelines regarding mammograms (pictured above) for women with dense breast tissue, it seems that experts are somewhat at a loss. Here’s what you need to know.

Is decaf actually better for you?

When many don’t want to feel the effects of your second cup of coffee, they opt for decaf. As many as 26 million Americans report they drink decaf coffee on a regular basis. While caffeinated coffee can have many protective benefits, which of these is a unique benefit of decaf coffee?

A. Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

B. Reduced cases of heart arrhythmia

C. Reduced frequency of migraines

D. All of the above

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