NEW: Low Risk Prenatal Clinic
The Medicine Hat Hospital has a Low Risk Prenatal Clinic located on site. Patients can self-refer, or speak with their current provider to obtain a referral.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her period stops for good, and she can no longer get pregnant. This is a normal part of aging (National Institute on Aging, 2024). During this time, a woman’s body goes through many natural changes. Some common symptoms include feeling tired, feeling sad or depressed, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, sexual problems, hot flashes and night sweats, bladder problems, and aches and pains in the muscles and joints (Canadian Menopause Society, 2025).
It’s also helpful to know about perimenopause. This is the stage before menopause. It can last between 2 to 8 years. During this time, periods may become irregular before they stop completely.
There are some healthy lifestyle changes that can help during menopause. One helpful change is to quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones become weak and break more easily. It is more common during menopause (Endocrine Society, 2022).
Whether or not to treat menopause symptoms depends on how much they affect your life. Some women may not need treatment. Others may choose to make lifestyle changes or take medications. These can be hormone or non-hormone treatments. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to find out what’s best for you (National Institute on Aging, 2024).
Eating well is also important. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong. Try to consume less caffeine, alcohol and fast food. Instead, choose healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts. Exercise regularly to keep your bones strong, manage your weight, and reduce stress (MyHealth Alberta, 2023).
If you want to learn more, talk to your healthcare provider and check out the resources below:
- The Menopause Foundation of Canada
https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/resources/menopause-what-everyone-should-know/
- Canadian Menopause Society
https://www.canadianmenopausesociety.org/women/videos/
Sources
References:
- National Institute on Aging. (October 16, 2024). What is menopause?S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause
- Canadian Menopause Society. (April 2025). Menopause: Times have changed, let’s talk. Retrieved on August 29, 2025. https://www.canadianmenopausesociety.org/files/publications/SCM1249_Sigma%20CMS%20Flip%20Chart_FINALR%20April%2025.pdf
- Endocrine Society. (January 24, 2022). Menopause and bone loss. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause-and-bone-loss
- MyHealth Alberta. (June 12, 2023). Menopause and perimenopause. Government of Alberta. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw228763
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Seniors’ Centre Without Walls
A free phone-based seniors program for adults 55+.
MAPS Documents
Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System
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Primary Care Alberta is now operational.
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