Final answer:
The claim that most women have only trivial symptoms during menopause is false. Menopause can result in a wide range of symptoms that vary in intensity, and while HRT can help, it's prescribed cautiously due to potential risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 50-82% of women breeze through menopause with only trivial symptoms is false. Menopause is a significant change in a woman's life, and the symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. The process is marked by the cessation of menstrual cycles, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. The menopausal transition, or peri-menopause, is when a woman's cycles become irregular, and levels of estrogen are similar to before the transition, while levels of progesterone decline.
This can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and difficulty focusing, which can range from absent to severe. Additionally, there is an increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may lead to endometrial cancer. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can potentially diminish menopausal side effects, but it is prescribed with caution due to associated risks like increased chances of breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease.