New research from GreenShield indicates a major gap in Canadian healthcare, revealing that nearly 40 per cent of Canadian women do not know where to seek menopause care. This lack of information can lead to years of difficulty connecting symptoms and navigating a fragmented medical system.

Disparities in menopause care

The survey, conducted by Ipsos for GreenShield, highlights that barriers to support are more pronounced for certain groups. The data shows significant differences in how various demographics access help:

  • Among racialized women, 45 per cent reported not knowing where to seek help for menopause or perimenopause symptoms.
  • Only about one-third of racialized women have discussed symptoms with a health professional, compared to roughly half of all women.
  • Nearly one in four respondents felt that menopause supports provided by their workplace were not culturally appropriate.

How is the gap being addressed?

In response to these findings, GreenShield is making its clinician-led menopause support program available to all Canadians through its GreenShield+ platform. This service includes clinical assessments, symptom management, health coaching, and mental health support.

Additionally, the organization is launching a pilot program in November as part of its Women’s Health Signature Initiative. This pilot aims to remove financial barriers by providing 12 months of free, personalized care to eligible women from equity-seeking communities who lack private or public insurance. The initiative is partnering with Black Mental Health Canada, the Black Women's Institute for Health, and the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre.

“Menopause support should not depend on a woman’s ability to navigate a complex system,” said Mandy Mail, Executive Vice President of GreenShield Cares.

FAQ

What does the menopause support pilot include?

The pilot offers 12 months of free care, including clinical assessments, three hours of health coaching, and three hours of mental health counselling.

When will the program expand?

GreenShield plans to use insights from the initial pilot to inform expansion to other underserved communities in 2027.