A new report from healthcare and insurance organization GreenShield indicates that 40 per cent of Canadian women do not know where to seek menopause care. This lack of information affects roughly half of the population that will experience this life stage.

Disparities in menopause care

The report highlights significant gaps for certain groups in Canada. Barriers to finding information are notably higher for racialized women, with 45 per cent stating they are unaware of where to find help for perimenopause or menopause symptoms.

Key findings from the survey include:

  • Only one-third of racialized women have discussed symptoms with a medical professional.
  • Approximately half of women overall have discussed symptoms with a professional.
  • Nearly 25 per cent of respondents found workplace supports were not culturally appropriate.

Why is there a gap in menopause care?

Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult for those experiencing complex symptoms. Harriet Ekperigin, vice president of clinical services growth at GreenShield, noted that women often end up "playing detective with their own bodies" while searching for credible answers.

Without clear guidance, women may spend months or years trying to connect symptoms that seem unrelated. This can impact their daily lives, careers, and personal relationships.

New support initiatives

In response to these findings, GreenShield is expanding its Women’s Health Signature Initiative. This program aims to provide 12 months of free, personalized menopause care for eligible women from equity-seeking communities. The initiative is designed to help remove financial barriers and provide better access to clinical support across Canada.

FAQ

What percentage of Canadian women lack menopause support information?

According to the GreenShield report, approximately 40 per cent of Canadian women do not know where to seek care.

How does this affect racialized women specifically?

Research shows that 45 per cent of racialized women are unaware of where to seek help for menopause or perimenopause symptoms.