Experts encouraged by increased menopause discussion, but warn against misinformation
Though discussions of menopause are all over social media, some experts in the field say women still struggle to get accurate information and access proper care.
“Women are not necessarily listened to, are not acknowledging themselves that something is off,” said Meno-Joie founder Marie-Josee Bourassa.
Bourassa is a clinical nurse who runs a private clinic in Montreal specializing in menopause. She said it is defined as one year without a menstrual cycle.
“Before that there's up to a 10-year gap where hormonal changes can be happening in a woman's body,” she said.
The 10-year gap is called perimenopause and for some women it can result in debilitating symptoms from brain fog and insomnia to joint pain and hot flashes.
Menopause influencers abound on social media and the conversation around it has never been louder, particularly on Oct. 18, which is World Menopause Day.
However, online forums also include plenty of misinformation from pseudoscience to false claims about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
It is something general practitioner Dr. Catherine Falardeau hears a lot. She said studies show HRT is safe for most women.
“Hormones are getting back and woman, they get information by doctors like me, that estrogen is strong to protect their bones, protect their brains, protect their heart, and all the vessels,” she said.
Both Falardeau and Bourassa say that lifestyle changes can also be key from managing stress and exercising to choosing a healthy diet.
Bourassa said the online conversation around menopause is important but women should choose their sources carefully.
“There are great forums, like board certified ObGyn on social media that are voicing and that are showing literature,” she said. “That is evidence based practices. So when you have that, it's definitely reassuring and it's something to open the next conversation with your own personal health care provider.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau says Liberals 'strong and united' despite caucus dissent
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Liberal party is 'strong and united,' despite efforts from within his caucus to oust him as leader.
Search efforts begin at Prairie Green Landfill: Manitoba government
A search has started at Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two victims of a serial killer.
'Canadians can breathe a sigh of relief': Bank of Canada Governor on interest rate cut
The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.
Memorial growing outside Halifax Walmart where employee was found dead
A memorial is growing outside a Walmart in Halifax after a 19-year-old employee was found dead inside an oven in the store Saturday night.
CEO of N.B. potato chip company taking 'extended leave of absence' after arrest
The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.
'Things are very hard here': Popular Toronto crossing guard asks community for help finding work
He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.
Air Transat laying off hundreds of flight attendants, says cuts are temporary
Air Transat says it is laying off as many as 400 flight attendants, but plans to bring them back to work at some point.
This common gesture could be a sign of a concussion, researchers say
A quick shake of the head after a hard hit could signal that a person has a concussion, a new study suggests, based on the experiences of young athletes.
Martha Stewart has the funniest reason for not wanting to do ‘The Golden Bachelorette’
Martha Stewart may be hot in the kitchen, but she’s not looking to replicate that on a dating reality show.