It\u2019s an opportunity for women to get the facts, then there will be a question and answer session<\/p>\n
Two local health-care workers are hosting an information session next month for women who may be experiencing perimenopause or menopause.<\/p>\n
The session will be hosted by Carol McDowell, a nurse practitioner in women\u2019s health, and Fleur Nelson, a pelvic floor physiotherapist.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of garbage out there right now about perimenopause and menopause,\u201d McDowell said by phone.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a billion-dollar industry. A lot of people are buying things and spending money on things that have no evidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just really want women who have no providers or who are afraid to ask questions to have some evidence-based information.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s an opportunity for women to get the facts, then there will be a question and answer session.<\/p>\n
McDowell wants women to know what menopause and perimenopause are, the symptoms, and how to treat them.<\/p>\n
Perimenopause can start when a woman is in her early 40s.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of times women get brushed off because people tell them they\u2019re too young to have perimenopause symptoms and that\u2019s not necessarily true,\u201d McDowell said.<\/p>\n
Women officially go into menopause when they\u2019ve had a full year with no menstrual cycle.<\/p>\n
There is a lot of junk science out there, which is why this session is so important.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey’re getting their information from the internet and people who want to make money off of them,\u201d McDowell said.<\/p>\n
Some women are desperate, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey’re really desperate for symptoms that sometimes can be easily treated . . . sometimes not so easily.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to have somebody who knows what they’re doing to help you safely navigate through it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Anyone who wants to attend is asked to bring items that women could use \u2013 toothpaste, shampoo, pads, etc., which McDowell will bring to a local group that helps women.<\/p>\n
The session will happen on Thursday, May 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hillside Free Methodist Church at 753 McNabb St.<\/p>\n