B.C. menopause study highlights challenges for midlife women

Over 90 per cent of midlife women have experienced at least one moderate to severe menopausal symptom, with a third saying the symptoms were serious enough to affect their jobs, according to a new study.

The Women’s Health Research Initiative surveyed 2,000 women across B.C. in a first-of-its-kind study that looked into the physical and psychological experiences of menopause in women aged 39 to 60.

The women were asked how menopause affected their daily lives.

“We tend to think about menopause symptoms as hot flashes and night sweats, but there can be up to 30 different symptoms that women experience,” said UBC OBGYN professor Dr. Lori Brotto.

“We found that a third of women had missed work, had reduced productivity, and a significant number of women were not promoted or were fired from their jobs because of untreated symptoms.”

Researchers hope this study can raise awareness and healthcare supports for women in B.C., as well as break the stigma that women may face in the workplace.

“Insomnia, sleepless nights, brain fog — all of those things can contribute to just not feeling yourself and therefore not being able to perform your job adequately,” said Shirley Weir, founder of Menopause Chicks.

“Many of us were never taught the roles of our hormones when cycles are regular, so we’re not in a position to make good decisions for ourselves when cycles are no longer regular. And if we can get more evidence-based info into the hands of women, it’s going to be a win for all of us.”

Brotto says there needs to be more of an emphasis on research in menopause care in general, and it is vital to ensure healthcare providers are educated in that area.

“Very few providers in B.C. said they received adequate training,” she said.

“And then we make a strong recommendation that workplaces implement policies that allow for greater flexibility that allow for some accommodations that allow for women to excel at their work, climb the corporate ladder and manage their menopause symptoms.”