A study released today by the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), in collaboration with the BC Women’s Health Foundation and Pacific Blue Cross, has revealed that for the first time critical insights into the physical, mental, social, and economic impacts of menopause symptoms for midlife women in British Columbia.

Titled HER-BC: Health and Economics Research on Midlife Women in British Columbia, this first-ever provincial study explores perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, clearly highlighting the impact this life stage has on those experiencing it.

The study surveyed over 2,000 people aged 39 to 60 from across the province and found that 92 per cent of respondents experience moderate to extremely severe menopause symptoms. The study explored health concerns, quality of life during menopause, work and caregiving responsibilities, and barriers to accessing health care services.

Dr. Lori Brotto, Principal Investigator of the HER-BC study, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of British Columbia, and Executive Director of WHRI, said: “This report marks an essential first step in addressing the widespread lack of awareness and support for menopause in British Columbia. The experiences shared by the women surveyed make it clear that menopause is not only a health issue but one that deeply affects work, relationships, and everyday life. There is an opportunity to bridge these gaps and tackle the societal stigma that comes with menopause.”

Key Findings:

• Workplace Impact: A third of respondents (32%) said menopause symptoms affect their job in some way, while a quarter of respondents (24%) reported missing days of work in the last 12 months due to the menopause symptoms. Almost one in 10 (9.4%) had to turn down a job promotion or career advancement due to menopause symptoms, and some respondents even reported being fired.
• Health Care Gaps: 43.5% of participants sought care from extended health care providers such as naturopaths and mental health professionals. On average, participants spent almost $900 out-of-pocket on these services annually. Those with private health coverage were much more likely to access extended health care services, with fewer out-of-pocket costs. Three quarters of those who used these services reported improved symptoms.
• Mental Health: 41.2% of respondents reported a concurrent mental health condition, emphasizing the need for improved mental health support during the menopause transition.
• Stigma and Silence: While conversations about menopause are increasingly visible in social and public media, stigma and silence around women’s reproductive health and aging continue to hinder awareness on how best to support well-being through this life stage. This sentiment extends into health care interactions, where participants reported that menopause and its treatment were often dismissed, avoided, or misinterpreted.

Sarah Hoffman, President and CEO of Pacific Blue Cross, noted: “The HER-BC study highlights areas where care and support for midlife women can be enhanced in British Columbia. As a leading health care benefits provider, we recognize the importance of evolving our services to better support women at this stage of life. Employers and health care providers must work together to ensure that the necessary resources and support are available for women during menopause.”

The report suggests several areas where improvements could be explored to better support midlife women experiencing menopause.

Read the report

 

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