This month, I was very honoured to be asked to speak on a panel through a Business and Professional Women’s Association in Saskatoon. The conversation tackled the often-overlooked realities of women’s health. While I questioned what I might bring to the discussion as an employee benefits advisor I did some research on what the gaps are and what tools I might be able to recommend. I also very quickly was able to pull on some personal experiences and decided it was a great opportunity to touch on a transition that affects millions yet remains under-discussed the wonderful wild world of menopause.
Menopause Meets the Haunted Office
Let’s be real, menopause can feel like a horror flick.
You’re leading a meeting and suddenly it’s Attack of the Hot Flash.
Mood swings? Emotional jump scares.
Brain fog? Like your thoughts are trick-or-treating and forgot to come back.
Imagine walking into HR dressed as a vampire and asking for a menopause support policy. They look at you like you’ve risen from the dead—but really, you’re just trying to survive the night sweats and the spreadsheets.
Menopause isn’t spooky—it’s natural. Ignoring it in the workplace? Now that’s terrifying.
Who knew my Halloween costume from last year would turn out to be a prediction?!
I’m buckled in for the ride called Menopause!
The Gender Health Gap
Despite making up nearly half the workforce, women continue to face:
- Delayed diagnoses due to historic exclusion from clinical trials
- Underfunded research (only 6% of federal health grants in Canada go to women’s health)
- Limited workplace support – only 37% of Canadian women feel adequately supported by their employers
These gaps impact not just health, but career progression and financial stability. The good news? Forward-thinking organizations are stepping up.
The Unspoken Transition
Menopause often hits during peak career years, yet:
- 95% of women report symptoms
- 80% say it interferes with their lives
- 40% miss work and 13% quit due to symptoms
- 70% wouldn’t feel comfortable discussing it with HR
It’s linked to increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, and more—yet specialized care and education remain scarce.
Workplace Solutions & Innovations
Companies are making strides with:
- Virtual menopause care programs
- Leadership training and policy updates
- Open conversations and education sessions
These efforts lead to better wellbeing, retention, and inclusivity.
I have embarked on my own journey, working with a company familiar in the employee benefits industry called Teladoc Health, to experience their Menopause Care program, which I hope will allow me to develop my own personalized plan for managing this exciting stage in my life.
Menopause is just one piece of the complicated puzzle of Women’s Health. Progress is happening—but there’s more to do. Let’s continue to build a workplace where women’s health is supported, discussed, and prioritized.
Thank you for championing change. Your voice and actions matter.
If you are interested in learning about my Teladoc journey, I am happy to share my experience.
