Menopause:
Menopause:
What Every Woman Should Know
Did you know that over 10 million Canadians are experiencing menopause, with 95% experiencing symptoms? Despite this, myths and misconceptions often cloud this common health issue.
Understanding menopause: The basics
Menopause is a natural phase of life. During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs, causing a drop in hormone levels.
There are three main stages:
- Perimenopause (average age 40-50)
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause and can last anywhere from six to eight years. During this stage, hormone levels fluctuate ― leading to various symptoms that can impact health and quality of life.
- Menopause (average age 45-55)
Menopause is reached when a woman has not had a menstrual period for one year. The average age of menopause in Canada is 51.
- Postmenopause
After reaching menopause, a woman enters postmenopause, which lasts for the rest of her life. While many perimenopause symptoms ease over time, some can persist for decades.
Common symptoms: What to expect
There are more than 40 symptoms of menopause, which vary from woman to woman.
The most common include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Decreased libido
- Changes in skin and hair
Common symptoms: What to expect
There are more than 40 symptoms of menopause, which vary from woman to woman.
The most common include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Decreased libido
- Changes in skin and hair
Health risks: Stay informed
During menopause, a woman’s risk for several chronic conditions increases, including:
- Osteoporosis (bone loss): Women may lose bone density, increasing their risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Heart disease (cardiovascular disease): After menopause, the risk of heart disease increases. Some research suggests that perimenopause may also contribute to an increased risk.
- Type 2 diabetes: Hormone changes can affect blood sugar. This can make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
Learn more:
Taking control: Simple steps for symptom management
You can manage many menopause symptoms with simple lifestyle changes:
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours in a cool, dark, quiet room.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Stay hydrated: Water can help manage hot flashes and energy levels.
- Get moving: Regular exercise improves mood and overall health.
- Manage stress: Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Dress in layers: Layer your clothing for quick adjustments during hot flashes.
Taking control: Simple steps for symptom management
You can manage many menopause symptoms with simple lifestyle changes:
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours in a cool, dark, quiet room.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Stay hydrated: Water can help manage hot flashes and energy levels.
- Get moving: Regular exercise improves mood and overall health.
- Manage stress: Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Dress in layers: Layer your clothing for quick adjustments during hot flashes.
It's important for women to monitor their health during perimenopause and beyond. In addition to lifestyle changes, healthcare professionals can guide you through options like hormone therapy or medications where indicated. Their expertise can play an important role in ensuring effective symptom management and overall well-being.
Learn more:
We've got your back: Medavie Blue Cross support
If you are experiencing midlife hormonal changes, Medavie Blue Cross offers an innovative program to help support you.
sanoMidLife offers expert‑guided support for women going through midlife and menopause.
The program combines clinical and lifestyle support to help women feel empowered and in control of their health. This includes:
Free self-guided tools for all Medavie plan members:
- A midlife symptom assessment to better understand your body’s changes
- A virtual health assistant to answer your midlife questions
- Educational resources and community support
Paid health coaching & clinician services:
Reimbursement available through many Medavie Blue Cross plans
- Health coaching focused on nutrition, sleep, movement, stress, and mindset
- Virtual health consultations with experienced Nurse Practitioners
- A personalized care plan with recommendations that may include medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes
Start today with your free midlife assessment - visit the sanoMidLife website.
Discover specially designed health solutions that recognize the unique health needs of every woman, in every stage of life.
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on March 10, 2026
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...