About Menopause
Menopause is the last menstrual period. The average age of menopause in Canada is 51.5 years. It can occur before or after this age.
- Over 90 per cent of women are menopausal by the age of 55-56 and for 5 per cent, it occurs between the ages of 40-45.
- 80 per cent of women have some symptoms around menopause, of which 20 per cent have severe symptoms.
Women are born with approximately 700,000 eggs that are depleted over a woman’s lifetime. Menopause occurs when these eggs run out. Some women are rendered menopausal by surgery or chemotherapy.
Every woman experiences menopause differently. Validated menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, new sleep difficulties, new or exacerbated mood changes, changes in sexual desire, and new non-deforming joint pain.
Individual treatment depends on the patient’s symptom presentation and medical/family history. Current options range from lifestyle changes, over the counter medications, psychotherapy, prescription non-hormonal and hormonal medications, as well as specific treatments for vaginal and sexual symptoms.
Related Topics
FAQs
View Frequently Asked Questions about menopause and/or the clinic.
Meet the Team
Meet the expert gynaecologists who have completed sub-specialty training in mature women’s health and menopause.
Referral Criteria
Patient referral criteria for referring providers.
