A third (32 per cent) of women employees in British Columbia say menopause symptoms impact their job in some way, according to a new survey by the Women’s Health Research Institute, in collaboration with the B.C. Women’s Health Foundation and Pacific Blue Cross.
The survey, which polled more than 2,000 women aged 39 to 60, found 92 per cent said they experience moderate to extremely severe menopause symptoms. A quarter (24 per cent) reported missing days of work in the last 12 months due to these symptoms.
In addition, 9.4 per cent of respondents said they had to turn down a job promotion or career advancement due to menopause symptoms, and some even reported being fired.
More than two-fifths (43.5 per cent) of women sought care from extended health-care providers such as naturopaths and mental-health professionals and, on average, participants spent almost $900 out of pocket on these services annually. Three-quarters of those who used these services reported improved symptoms.
Roughly four in 10 (41.2 per cent) respondents also reported a concurrent mental-health condition, and while conversations about menopause are increasing, the survey found stigma and silence around women’s reproductive health and ageing continue to hinder awareness on how best to support well-being through this life stage.
“The HER-BC study highlights areas where care and support for midlife women can be enhanced in British Columbia,” said Sarah Hoffman, president and chief executive officer of Pacific Blue Cross, in a press release. “As a health-care benefits provider, we recognize the importance of evolving our services to better support women at this stage of life. Employers and health-care providers must work together to ensure that the necessary resources and support are available for women during menopause.”
Read: 2023 Healthy Outcomes Conference: How can plan sponsors support employees with menopause?