It’s an opportunity for women to get the facts, then there will be a question and answer session
Two local health-care workers are hosting an information session next month for women who may be experiencing perimenopause or menopause.
The session will be hosted by Carol McDowell, a nurse practitioner in women’s health, and Fleur Nelson, a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
“There’s a lot of garbage out there right now about perimenopause and menopause,” McDowell said by phone.
“It’s a billion-dollar industry. A lot of people are buying things and spending money on things that have no evidence.
“I just really want women who have no providers or who are afraid to ask questions to have some evidence-based information.”
It’s an opportunity for women to get the facts, then there will be a question and answer session.
McDowell wants women to know what menopause and perimenopause are, the symptoms, and how to treat them.
Perimenopause can start when a woman is in her early 40s.
“A lot of times women get brushed off because people tell them they’re too young to have perimenopause symptoms and that’s not necessarily true,” McDowell said.
Women officially go into menopause when they’ve had a full year with no menstrual cycle.
There is a lot of junk science out there, which is why this session is so important.
“They’re getting their information from the internet and people who want to make money off of them,” McDowell said.
Some women are desperate, she said.
“They’re really desperate for symptoms that sometimes can be easily treated . . . sometimes not so easily.
“You need to have somebody who knows what they’re doing to help you safely navigate through it,” she said.
Anyone who wants to attend is asked to bring items that women could use – toothpaste, shampoo, pads, etc., which McDowell will bring to a local group that helps women.
The session will happen on Thursday, May 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hillside Free Methodist Church at 753 McNabb St.
Please RSVP by May 12 if possible at [email protected]. Walk-ins are welcome.