3 things you didn't know about menopause

(NC) For any woman that lives long enough, menopause will become part of their story. It’s a natural part of life, but surprisingly, many women don’t fully understand how it affects them. In fact, a recent global survey conducted by Astellas Pharma found that even among women who have personal experience with menopause, only 26 per cent are aware of the symptoms that come with this stage of life.

The first step to navigating this natural but complex stage of life is learning more about it. Did you know:

1. Menopause affects the vasomotor system. Hot flashes and night sweats—the symptoms most commonly associated with menopause—are more than just uncomfortable moments. They’re called vasomotor symptoms (VMS). These symptoms happen when hormonal changes disrupt the body’s vasomotor system—the network that controls the body’s temperature and circulation. On average, women report experiencing four to five hot flashes per day, while others have reported experiencing as many as 20 per day.

2. Menopause has a real economic impact. Beyond the physical discomfort, it can disrupt women’s productivity at work, creating a ripple effect across Canada's workforce. According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada, unmanaged symptoms of menopause cost the Canadian economy up to $3.5 billion annually. Many working women bear the brunt of this cost through lost income and reduced productivity, with approximately 10 per cent leaving the workforce entirely due to unmanaged symptoms.

3. Effective treatment options are available. Despite the burdensome nature of symptoms for many women, many don’t seek medical advice. Often this is due to stigma and a lack of familiarity with available treatments. The good news is that effective options for symptom management exist, and innovation in women’s health has led to even more treatment options, including non-hormonal therapies. Today, women have a variety of ways to manage their menopause journey with greater ease and confidence.

If you’re experiencing hot flashes or night sweats, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about your options or visit overheating.ca.