Menopause impacts half the population, yet remains overlooked. Closing the gap in knowledge, care and support benefits women and society alike.
The Overlooked Impact of Menopause
Every woman will experience menopause, yet for too long it has been invisible in conversations about health, workplaces and society. Menopause symptoms—ranging from hot flashes and night sweats to sleep disruption, brain fog and anxiety—can last a decade or more. Left unaddressed, these symptoms impact women’s health, quality of life, careers, and financial security. This silence has a ripple effect across society, with unmanaged symptoms costing the economy $3.5 billion annually.
Closing the Knowledge Gap
One of the biggest barriers to better menopause care is lack of knowledge—both among women and their healthcare providers. A recent Canadian report found that one in two women feel unprepared for menopause, with many unaware of the more than 30 symptoms it can bring. Many doctors are also not up to date on the latest clinical practice guidelines. “Women deserve accurate information and supportive care to manage this stage of life,” says Dr. Michelle Jacobson, one of Canada’s leading OB-GYN menopause specialists and co-founder of Coven Women’s Health. By breaking taboos and ensuring access to treatment, we can help women thrive not just cope.”
Building Menopause Inclusive Workplaces
Employers are waking up to the reality of menopause. With women over 40 making up a quarter of Canada’s workforce, organizations have a powerful opportunity to support employees at the height of their working lives. The Menopause Foundation of Canada’s award-winning Menopause Works Here™ campaign—already embraced by more than 150 employers, including IKEA, PwC and Sun Life—offers a free playbook and practical tools to build more inclusive workplaces.
“This is a pivotal moment,” says Janet Ko, President and Co-Founder of the Menopause Foundation of Canada. “When we close the menopause knowledge gap, expand access to care, and bring menopause into the workplace conversation, we unlock the full potential of women in midlife.”
What can employers do? Provide menopause education sessions, share credible resources, ensure benefits plans cover evidence-based therapies, offer flexibility where possible, and consider mid-life women in their talent management practices.
Free Support and Resources
No woman should navigate menopause alone. The Menopause Foundation of Canada provides free, evidence-based resources, including its Menopause Illuminated™ webinars with expert speakers and a symptom tracker, endorsed by the Canadian Menopause Society, to support better conversations with healthcare providers. The Foundation also launched a new tool to help women evaluate the growing number of virtual and private menopause clinics.
Visit MenopauseFoundationCanada.ca to access free resources, tools, and expert-led webinars on menopause.
