You’re not alone: finding support through perimenopause and beyond

For many people, perimenopause and menopause raise questions that don’t always come with easy answers. Changes in sleep, mood, energy, and overall health can feel confusing, especially when reliable information and open conversation can be hard to find.

That’s where the Health Strategies for Perimenopause and Beyond program comes in.

Offered by the Community Health Teams at Nova Scotia Health, this free program is designed to educate and support people to feel more confident as they move through this stage of life.  

One of the people offering the program is Maya Williams, a wellness navigator with the Halifax Community Health Team. With a background in community mental health and recreation therapy and over a decade with the Community Health Team, Maya’s approach centres on practical tools, connection and meeting people where they are.

“Perimenopause and menopause can feel very isolating,” she said. “For a long time, these topics weren’t talked about openly, so many people feel like they have to manage on their own.”

The program was created in response to what the community health teams were hearing from the community: people wanted evidence-based information, delivered in a supportive and non-judgmental space.  

Health Strategies for Perimenopause and Beyond is open to anyone who wants to learn more, whether you’re currently experiencing perimenopause or menopause, preparing for it, have already gone through it, or want to better support a partner, friend or family member.

The program includes three sessions, each led by a different health professional:

• A physiotherapist explores how menopause affects the body, including bone health and pelvic floor changes, and shares strategies to support yourself.
• Wellness navigators lead a session focused on mental health strategies, self-compassion, sleep and sexual health.
• A dietitian offers guidance on key nutrients, dietary patterns and nutrition strategies that support health before, during and after menopause to minimize health risks that increase with age.

“One of the biggest challenges people face is sorting through all the information out there,” Williams said. “It can be really hard to know what’s accurate or evidence based. We want to help people feel grounded in reliable information and supported while they learn.”

Connection is a key part of the experience. While everyone’s journey is different, simply being in a space where others are asking similar questions can be powerful. Many participants share that hearing they’re not alone is one of the most meaningful takeaways.

Williams often hears feedback like, “I wish I had learned this sooner,” or “I’m going to share this with someone I care about.”  

For anyone feeling unsure or nervous about signing up, Williams offers reassurance: “There’s never any pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. Our focus is creating a safe, respectful and welcoming environment where people can learn and participate in ways that feel right for them.”

Williams hopes that people leave knowing they don’t have to just “get through” perimenopause and menopause alone. “With the right information and support, this stage of life can be a time of learning, empowerment and taking care of yourself in new ways,” she said.

Registration is open with upcoming programs beginning May 12, June 11 and July 8: Register here.