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How much do you really know about menopause? Take our quiz to separate fact from fiction. BY SAMANDA VERDUN
S
Set the record straight by taking our menopause quiz and help separate fact from fiction. There are many different combinations of signs and symptoms that women experience during menopause. Getting good advice and being informed early can help relieve some anxiety around these changes. Speak to other women and reach out to your doctor or naturopath with any questions you might have.
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MENOPAUSE IS DEFINED AS: (a) The onset of irregular periods (b) The start of hot flashes (c) 12 consecutive months without a period (d) Increased mood changes and brain fog Answer: C Menopause impacts bone health, mood, mental health, sleep quality and much more. It is diagnosed when a woman has had 12 months with no bleeding, in the absence of any other medical or lifestyle changes. THE AVERAGE AGE OF MENOPAUSE IS: (a) 45 (b) 51 (c) 42 (d) 56 Answer: B Menopause is a natural stage of life for all women between the ages of 40 -58. The average age for women to reach menopause in Canada is 51, but this can vary widely. Premature menopause occurs when menopause happens before the age of 40. Procedures such as ovary removal (oophorectomy), as well as certain medications, can affect ovaries and bring on temporary or early menopause.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING MAY INFLUENCE WHEN YOU START MENOPAUSE? (a) Ethnicity (b) Smoking (c) Genetics (d) All the above Answer: D Menopause is genetically linked. Knowing when your mother or other female family members began menopause will give you an idea of what is in store for you. Smoking can cause menopause to start as much as 2 year sooner because it plays havoc with your hormone balance. Estrogen protects us from many health concerns, so do your best to be the healthiest version of yourself. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE IS A MYTH? (a) Hot flashes and night sweats (b) Physical symptoms only (c) Irregular periods (d) Difficulty sleeping Answer: B Menopause is not just a long list of physical symptoms. It also has many psychological symptoms in the mix as well. Research shows how estrogen plays a major role in brain health. Hormone changes and decreased estrogen levels can contribute to symptoms of depression, irritability, anxiety, mood swings and low energy. TRUE OR FALSE. EATING CERTAIN FOODS AND LIMITING OTHERS CAN HELP SUPPORT HORMONE CHANGES? (a) True (b) False Answer: A True. Certain foods, such as soy and flax, contain phytoestrogens that can mimic women’s natural estrogen. Always speak to your doctor or naturopath to create a treatment plan that optimizes foods that support hormone balance.
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