Menopause – What Every Woman Should Know
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on October 22, 2024
Menopause – What Every Woman Should Know
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on October 22, 2024
October is World Menopause Month, a time to break the stigma and silence around a natural phase of life that affects millions. Did you know that over 10 million Canadians are currently experiencing menopause, with 95% experiencing symptoms? Despite this, myths and misconceptions often cloud this common health issue.
Understanding menopause: The basics
During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs, causing a drop in hormone levels.
There are three main stages:
- Perimenopause (average age 40-50)
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause and can last anywhere from six to eight years. During this stage, hormone levels fluctuate – leading to various symptoms that can impact health and quality of life.
- Menopause (average age 45-55)
Menopause is reached when a woman has not had a menstrual period for one year. The average age of menopause in Canada is 51.
- Postmenopause
After reaching menopause, a woman enters post menopause, which lasts for the rest of her life. While many perimenopause symptoms ease over time, some can persist for decades.
Common symptoms: What to expect
There are more than 40 symptoms of menopause, which vary from woman to woman.
The most common include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Decreased libido
- Changes in skin and hair
Common symptoms: What to expect
There are more than 40 symptoms of menopause, which vary from woman to woman.
The most common include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Decreased libido
- Changes in skin and hair
Health risks: Stay informed
During menopause, a woman’s risk for several chronic conditions increases, including:
- Osteoporosis: Women may lose bone density, increasing their risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Cardiovascular disease: After menopause, the risk of heart disease increases. Some research suggests that perimenopause may also contribute to an increased risk.
- Type 2 Diabetes: During perimenopause and menopause women's bodies undergo hormonal changes that can affect their blood sugar making it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
Taking control: Simple steps for symptom management
You have the power to manage many menopause symptoms with these lifestyle adjustments:
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours in a cool, dark, quiet room.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Stay hydrated: Water can help manage hot flashes and energy levels.
- Get moving: Regular exercise improves mood and overall health.
- Manage stress: Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Dress in layers: Layer your clothing for quick adjustments during hot flashes.
Taking control: Simple steps for symptom management
You have the power to manage many menopause symptoms with these lifestyle adjustments:
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours in a cool, dark, quiet room.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Stay hydrated: Water can help manage hot flashes and energy levels.
- Get moving: Regular exercise improves mood and overall health.
- Manage stress: Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Dress in layers: Layer your clothing for quick adjustments during hot flashes.
It's important for women to monitor their health during perimenopause and beyond. In addition to lifestyle changes, healthcare professionals can guide you through options like hormone therapy or medications where indicated. Their expertise can play an important role in ensuring effective symptom management and overall well-being.
We've got your back: Medavie Blue Cross support
If you are experiencing midlife hormonal changes, Medavie Blue Cross offers an innovative program to help support you.
sanoLiving is our new partner in women’s midlife wellness, providing Medavie plan members personalized, evidence-based care as you adjust to menopause and midlife hormonal changes.
To learn more and to sign up for a free menopausal assessment, visit the sanoMidLife website.
Discover specially designed health solutions that recognize the unique health needs of every woman, in every stage of life.
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...