Am I in menopause?

Think you might be experiencing symptoms related to menopause? Take our Menopause Diagnostic Quiz to see whether a visit to your health care provider is necessary.
Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause. During perimenopause, menstrual periods become less predictable—either more or less frequent than usual, and/or becoming heavier or lighter. Speak to your doctor if you experience bleeding between periods, or after intercourse, or very heavy bleeding. Hot flashes, “vasomotor” symptoms, and other symptoms of menopause often appear in perimenopause. These symptoms, can start before the last menstrual period and may last for several years. On average menopausal symptoms will last about 7 years, but for up to 25% of women, symptoms may last into the sixties or longer.

Once 12 consecutive months have passed without a menstrual period, menopause has occurred.

Women who have entered menopause may have a number of health concerns.

Women may have concerns about the emotional effects and about the physical changes that affect them on a day-to-day basis (e.g., bladder control, vaginal dryness). They may also have questions about risks of osteoporosis after menopause or cancer risks associated with hormone therapy.

Helpful strategies and solutions are available: exercise advice, nutrition tips, counselling, as well as other therapeutic options. What’s important is that you find the support you need.

95% of women enter menopause after the age of 45. In 1% of women, menstruation ends prior to age 40, in 1:1000 prior to age 30, and in 1: 10,000 prior to age 20. The menstrual cycle may also end prematurely because of surgical removal of the ovaries, radiation or chemotherapy. If your periods end early, the symptoms may feel like menopause, but it is very different. Medically it is called Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). It is not menopause! Learn more
Primary symptoms are those caused directly by hormonal fluctuations in the body. They may last between six months and 15 years or more. Secondary symptoms occur as a result of other physical changes associated with aging:
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Palpitations
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Anxiety attacks
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss
  • Mood swings
  • Joint aches and pains, without swelling
  • Changes in eye and oral health
Learn more

If you’ve reached menopause or are experiencing some of its symptoms, taking care of yourself and refocusing on your overall health is more important than ever.

Growing evidence suggests a healthy lifestyle helps counter some of the health issues that arise with menopause and perimenopause. Paying careful attention to diet, exercise, weight and stress is critical, as well as limiting consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine.

Take charge

Woman today have many options for preventing or minimizing menopause symptoms so they don’t get in the way of an active and satisfying lifestyle.

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