LET’S TALK ABOUT MENOPAUSE
Let's take a moment to appreciate that the entire menopause spectrum makes up one third to one half of a woman's life. Yet sadly, it is also a time many women find they know very little about! Medically speaking, menopause begins when there are no more follicles in the ovaries capable of ovulating, meaning there are no more eggs. Menopause is confirmed 12 months after a woman's final menstrual cycle.
The average age of when this happens is 50-52 years old.
It is important to understand that symptoms may occur before this final year. Pre-menopausal symptoms vary in length and can start 2-10 years before a woman's final menstrual cycle has been confirmed. Each woman's 'slow dance' with menopause (and its symptoms) is different, so it is important to understand that your experience is uniquely yours and we encourage discussion of any concerns with your medical team. Pre-menopausal symptoms may present as abnormal menstrual bleeding, vasomotor signs (hot flashes/ night sweats), sleep disturbances, temporary cognitive changes (brain fog/confusion), vaginal dryness, pain with sex, decreased libido, joint pain, headache, fatigue, mood disorders, weight gain, and loss of muscle and bone mass.
The treatment options for menopausal symptoms are vast and it is important that you connect with your health care team early to manage your concerns. In keeping with current research, one of the first recommendations your health care providers may provide is regular participation in physical activity. It has been shown to be beneficial in muscle, bone, heart, and brain health. Our athletic therapy and physiotherapy team members would be happy to help guide your journey into regular physical activity and strength training.
If you are struggling with the vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances or other menopause related symptoms, our traditional Chinese
Medicine Acupuncture team may be an avenue to consider. There are many ways that acupuncture may be used to help control, decrease, or alleviate your menopausal related concerns. Do not hesitate to contact Naomi at Spire directly to learn more about Acupuncture options. Pelvic health related concerns during menopause can be confusing, we have three pelvic health physiotherapists at Spire ready to help with education, advice, and treatment to guide you through the pelvic related changes in menopause.
You are not alone, and we encourage you to create a health care team that validate your menopausal journey!
"Menopause is not a disease. It is an evolutionary adaption that is a part of the survival of the species, like menstrual periods or the ability to suppress the immune system during pregnancy so the body doesn't attack the fetus." - Dr. Jen Gunter, Menopause Manifesto
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