A groundbreaking study on midlife women in British Columbia reveals the significant health, work, and care challenges posed by menopause, offering recommendations for enhanced health care support and workplace policies.

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.

A groundbreaking study on midlife women in British Columbia reveals the significant health, work, and care challenges posed by menopause, offering recommendations for enhanced health care support and workplace policies. (CNW Group/Women's Health Research Institute)

The study surveyed over 2,000 people aged 39 to 60 from across the province and conducted in-depth interviews of a subset, highlighting opportunities for more inclusive health care, improved workplace support, and further research for the 875,000 women aged 40 to 65 in British Columbia. The study explored health concerns, quality of life during menopause, work and caregiving responsibilities, and barriers to accessing health care services, revealing that 92 per cent of respondents experience moderate to extremely severe menopause symptoms.

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 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 wellbeing through this life stage. This sentiment extends into health care interactions, where participants reported that menopause and its treatment were often dismissed, avoided, or misunderstood.

Dr. Lori Brotto, Principal Investigator of the HER-BC study, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 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."

Cally Wesson, President and CEO of the BC Women's Health Foundation, added: "Menopause has been an under-researched area for far too long, and as a result, many women face these challenges without adequate support. This study brings critical issues to light and provides a clear path for improving health care outcomes and workplace policies for women in midlife. BC Women's Health Foundation is dedicated to supporting women at all life stages, including menopause, to ensure they have the resources and care they deserve."

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. These include:

• Public health campaigns to raise awareness of menopause symptoms, helping to equip individuals with the knowledge needed to manage their health during this life stage.
• Collaborative health care efforts that encourage greater education and interdisciplinary collaboration among health care providers to improve access to and continuity of care for women experiencing menopause.
• Workplace support policies, such as flexible hours and accommodations, which could help alleviate the impact of menopause symptoms and enhance workplace productivity and wellbeing.
• Prevention of workplace discrimination: When menopause symptoms impact the ability of a person to carry out their normal functions in the workplace, those symptoms should be considered a disability; employers have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate that worker. Additionally, employers are under a legal obligation to protect workers with a disability from discrimination.
• Further research to address knowledge gaps around menopause, including the influence of race, gender, economic status, and disability on menopause experiences and outcomes.