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A recent survey by GreenShield, conducted by Ipsos, has unearthed troubling statistics regarding the menopause experience for women in Canada. According to the findings, one-third of Canadian women are left waiting over two years for effective menopause care. This delay stems from a myriad of obstacles, including confusion over symptoms, feelings of being dismissed by healthcare providers, and a lack of knowledge about where to seek assistance.
The Scope of the Problem
While many women possess a basic understanding of perimenopause and menopause, there exists a stark contrast between this awareness and the reality of the debilitating symptoms they face. The Menopause Foundation of Canada’s 2022 report reveals that 46 per cent of women feel ill-prepared for this significant life transition. Furthermore, a staggering 54 per cent consider menopause to still be a taboo topic, which may contribute to the reluctance to seek help.
Despite 40 per cent of respondents consulting a general practitioner, nearly 39 per cent expressed uncertainty about where to find the necessary support and care. The survey also highlighted that 29 per cent of women view their symptoms as “normal and not treatable,” while 26 per cent do not recognise their symptoms as part of a hormonal transition. Interestingly, this last statistic appears to be slightly lower in Quebec, where only 23 per cent of women feel similarly.
Personal Burdens and Misunderstandings
The survey indicates a troubling trend where women often shoulder the burden of their symptoms alone. Approximately 55 per cent turn to online resources for information about their symptoms, while 18 per cent find themselves repeatedly booking appointments in search of relief. Alarmingly, when women do identify their symptoms, only 25 per cent receive effective treatment within the first three months.
The most prevalent symptoms reported by the surveyed women include fatigue (74 per cent), hot flashes (68 per cent), mood swings (65 per cent), weight gain (58 per cent), and brain fog (53 per cent). These symptoms not only disrupt daily functioning but also have a tangible impact on work performance. A significant portion of respondents noted that their symptoms negatively affected productivity, with 16 per cent reporting decreased efficiency, 8 per cent needing time off, and 6 per cent contemplating leaving their jobs altogether.
Workplace Support: A Major Gap
The survey also sheds light on the lack of support from employers, with 55 per cent of women stating that their workplace offers no help whatsoever. Only 13 per cent reported receiving meaningful support, while 7 per cent acknowledged that existing supports fell short of their needs, leaving 24 per cent unsure of the resources available to them.
This lack of institutional support becomes even more pressing when considering the experiences of women like Quebec Liberal MNA Jennifer Maccarone. During a parliamentary session on February 26, 2026, she candidly shared her struggles with menopause, describing a hot flash as akin to “somebody turning the furnace on to 120 degrees.” Maccarone’s openness sheds light on the need for more dialogue around menopause, particularly in environments where women are often expected to maintain professionalism despite personal challenges.
Why it Matters
The findings of the GreenShield survey underscore a critical need for increased awareness and support for women navigating menopause. As societal attitudes shift towards greater openness around health issues, it is essential that healthcare systems, workplaces, and communities collectively dismantle the barriers that prevent women from seeking care. The implications of inadequate support not only affect individual well-being but also have broader ramifications for workplace productivity and women’s participation in society. Addressing this issue is not just a matter of health; it is a question of equity and dignity for women at a pivotal stage in their lives.
