Let's Talk Menopause

In the past year or so, Mentor Clinic has been running group sessions on topics such as heart health, diabetes, metabolic health, sleep, and one on menopause. While it is hard to cover everything in one session, and we always need more time for questions and discussions, that was particularly true for the menopause session.

On October 17, Halifax hosted the first Atlantic Menopause Show – with an audience of over 700 women! Four Mentor Clinic staff attended and it was FANTASTIC! It further validated that there is A LOT to discuss when it comes to menopause.

Mentor Clinic staffers Alyson Pickard-Tattrie, Joy Chiekwe, Jenelle McIsaac and John Ross.

Historically many women have had to navigate through disabling hot flashes, sweats, brain fog, palpitations, profound fatigue, and other symptoms that have either been dismissed or poorly managed by healthcare providers, partners, friends and co-workers. Too many women feared they were ‘going crazy’ or might be stigmatized for not coping or getting old, and therefore were afraid to talk about it. Thankfully those days are fading. A new awareness is rapidly growing – an empowered public is demanding more – and informed care providers are managing symptoms with greater expertise. 

There are approximately 800 female Mentor Clinic patients in the 40 to 65 year old range, which does not include women who may experience premature symptoms due to medical problems. Mentor Clinic plans to offer these women a three-part educational series. The intent is to bring women together who have a lot in common – age, pre-, post-, or full-on menopause symptoms, and a desire to ask questions and learn more. Some may just be interested in general information, some may want to get more specifics, and some may need focused time with one or more of the Mentor Clinic staff or consultants. We want to make all that possible. 

We are working on a series of three larger group sessions to include the basics of menopause – what is happening in your bodies as they age? We’ll look at the rapidly increasing research data, finally being done, and what it means for individuals, families, relationships, and work. Nutrition, physical activity, sleep are critical, and of course medicinal and non-medicinal treatments.

Menopause does not affect all women, but most people either live or work closely with someone who is affected. Understanding what they are going through would significantly reduce the stress felt not only by the women suffering, but the people she interacts with daily.

The Atlantic Menopause Show was a first-time event and judging by its success and rave reviews, we hope that are more events of this kind and more men in attendance. We also hope it will inspire more open discussion, better awareness and treatment by medical professionals and more targeted studies to figure out ways to help women suffer less and get through this natural stage of life with self-esteem and dignity.