Let’s talk about perimenopause

There are more than 10 million women in Canada over the age of 40. We represent one quarter of the population. I believe our generation is the first generation leading the conversation around perimenopause. Traditionally, society had long believed that symptoms are just part of the aging process for women. Doctors have very little training around menopause care, let alone perimenopause. It is common to have as many as 7 symptoms before seeking medical attention.

Dr. Wendy Wolfman from Mt. Sinai is quoted to have said, “The biggest public misconception is that menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are trivial and short-lived. Menopausal symptoms are seen as something women have to endure, almost like a woman’s burden. Women need to know that they should not suffer in silence and that there are a range of options to help them.”

Definitions:

Perimenopause – the natural transitional period of around 5-10 years before menopause, where fluctuating and falling estrogen/progesterone levels lead to a wide variety of symptoms. Think of “reverse puberty”

Menopause – is 1 day marking the end of our reproduction, like a 1-year anniversary date since our last period. 12 consecutive months without a menstruation. It’s just one day (this was news to me).

Post menopause – stage in life after menopause, with increased health risks and implications. We’re talking rapid bone and muscle loss.

Most women are nervous about perimenopause, and many women also feel undertreated by their doctors. So it’s important for us to seek out additional support if your primary care provider does not want to treat your symptoms.

Check out this link for finding a menopause doctor: https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/resources/find-a-physician/

Nutrition plays a huge role in mitigating perimenopause and menopause symptoms. It’s something we can do anytime, all the time. Reach out to get nutrition support!