Hot flashes. Night sweats. Brain fog and mood swings. These are well known symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

But what about joint pain? Unexpected body hair changes? Dry eyes, dry mouth or dry vagina? Are these symptoms related to changing hormone levels, part of aging or something else?

With more than 30 possible symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body, it’s no wonder perimenopause and menopause can be a confusing experience. Many women and gender diverse folks feel unprepared for this midlife transition, and they want menopause prioritized in their healthcare journeys.

“Everyone goes through this in a different way and there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment,” says Dr. Maria Migas, a family physician and co-founder of the Menopause Society of Nova Scotia. “What might help you might not help your sister, your mother or your friend.”

Understandably, many people turn to online resources to find answers and treatments. But how can you tell if the information you find is accurate? How can you be sure it is based on current scientific research?

“Look for words like ‘randomized controlled trial,’ which is the gold standard of scientific evidence, or ‘systematic review’ and ‘multiple clinical trials,’” advises Dr. Migas. “Look at the background of whoever is making a claim. A lot of people are now claiming to be a ‘certified menopause coach,’ which is really just a personal trainer. Look for someone with a medical degree or PhD.”

Be wary of online influencers, she says, especially anyone trying to sell a service or product. Take advice from American influencers with a grain of salt, she cautions, as US laws differ from those in Canada and misinformation abounds.

“There is no way to buy your way through menopause and no workout hard enough to avoid it,” she says. “There are treatments to support you, of course, but the claims some of these companies and influencers are making are not based on evidence.”

For reliable online guidance, turn to websites from big research-backed groups, says Dr. Migas, such as the Menopause Society of Nova Scotia and the Menopause Foundation of Canada. The foundation’s site includes helpful resources like a three-step plan for those preparing to discuss menopause symptoms with their healthcare provider and a symptom tracker.

Other trustworthy sites Dr. Migas recommends include Menopause & U by the Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Canada, the (North American) Menopause Society and the Canadian Menopause Society.

Dr. Migas also recommends books such as The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter and The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, as well as the IWK Foundation’s menopause-focused episodes on its Fifth Wave podcast.

Free, trustworthy in-person support, such as the Health Strategies for Perimenopause and Beyond program from Nova Scotia’s Community Health Teams and the Hot Bloomers program in Cape Breton, can also help.

By next winter, Nova Scotians will be able to turn to the Menopause Centre of Excellence, adds Dr. Migas. The team at the publicly funded, community-based, multidisciplinary clinic will include medical, allied health professionals, educators and researchers.

Pictured above: Family physician Dr. Maria Migas 

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON HEALTHY LIVING AND HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO GET ALL OF OUR CONTENT FIRST!