Menopause is a reality for nearly half of the Canadian population, but many common myths exist.
Menopause is more common in women Age 45 to 55 when the menstrual cycle endsA woman may experience a variety of symptoms during this period.
But according to registered dietitian Nishta Saxena, few people talk about it.
Saxena took to CTV’s Your Morning on Friday to identify some of the most common misconceptions and set the record straight.
The first myth that Saxena highlights relates to the premenopausal period, the peri-menopause. It begins when a woman reaches the age of 50.
“No,” she said. “[It]could actually start 10 to 15 years before that, so we’re talking about your mid-30s.
While you may not experience symptoms during perimenopause, Saxena says it’s important to develop healthy habits early in life.
“Weight training in your 20s and 30s can actually help you maintain lean muscle and bone density and slow down those brain contractions that occur during menopause,” said Saxena. “It’s actually a very long process, so it’s very important to start these habits early.”
Another common menopausal myth: Symptoms include loss of appetite.
“This is very unfair. It actually increases your appetite,” said Saxena. “It’s like an interaction between excess estrogen and insulin and regulatory hormones that may actually make you feel even more hungry.”
To hear everything Saxena debunks common menopause misconceptions, click the video at the top of this article.
