Image Credit: Ian Allenden / Dreamstime.com

By Katlyn Eriksen

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Greater access to treatment can improve women’s experience of menopause

Jan 1, 2025 | 2:30 PM

Over 90 per cent of midlife women in British Columbia experience at least one significant physical symptom of menopause and those with more were also more likely to live with mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. These were just some of the conclusions drawn from questioning 2,000 participants in the province’s first detailed examination of the symptoms, treatment and effects of menopause. The results of the study reveal the extent to which women are adversely affected by hormone fluctuations and the drop in estrogen levels during middle age and how not all are able to easily access the information and treatment that could help to alleviate the often-debilitating symptoms. As well as affecting overall wellbeing, around a third of women report that symptoms have an impact on their work due to sick days, missed promotions and even job loss. Through raising awareness of the menopause with employers, improving access to HRT and providing tailored advice on optimizing hormonal health, women in Kamloops could be much better supported during this often challenging stage of life.

Improving Access to Tailored Hormone Replacement Therapy

With easier access to a thorough evaluation of menopause symptoms, women can benefit from a personalised wellness plan including prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy, an effective treatment for the effects of diminishing estrogen on the body. The majority of the women surveyed in the menopause study who were able to take advantage of extended health care services reported an improvement in their health and wellbeing. However, women are spending an average of almost $900 a year on these services and those women without private health insurance were less likely to benefit from them. In September, British Columbia recently became the first Canadian province to sign an agreement with the government to make a number of drugs including hormone therapy free at the point of purchase for women. With so many women unable to afford adequate treatment for their menopause symptoms, this agreement will mean that due to greater access and affordability, their health care will be fundamentally improved.

Providing Trustworthy Advice and Emotional Support

While HRT is a very effective treatment for managing a wide range of menopause symptoms, other lifestyle changes can have a positive effect on health and wellbeing during this life stage. With the help of a menopause coach, women in Kamloops can access trustworthy and evidence-based information about the changes they are going through and receive advice on improving their health through following a balanced diet, increasing exercise and improving their sleep. The journey from perimenopause to postmenopause can be a difficult for many women and a dedicated coach can also offer emotional support through this challenging time. The imbalance of chemicals in the brain caused by hormonal changes during menopause can lead to mood swings, stress and anxiety. With help in identifying triggers and advice on how to incorporate coping mechanisms, these symptoms can be alleviated before they become too overwhelming.

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Kamloops' Trusted Property Manager - Rohit Kumar

May 20, 2025

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Increasing access to community adult literacy programs across B.C.

4h ago

Question of the Week

Have there been enough public warnings regarding drowning dangers in area rivers and lakes?

Aug 11, 2025

Finding Innovative Solutions in Menopause Care

Even though 75 per cent of women will find that their daily lives are disrupted by symptoms, almost half of women feel unprepared for menopause. The negative experiences of Canadian women during this stage of their lives are made worse through a failure to provide adequate and effective health care. To help address this issue, an increasing number of tech companies in Canada are coming up with digital tools and solutions that could complement traditional treatments. Wearable sensors monitor changes in the body that can help women to determine when they are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms and can also track and manage temperature fluctuations, providing relief to 70 per cent of the women who have hot flashes. While these and other innovative solutions cannot replace the conventional care of a qualified doctor, they do give women some agency over their health as they face the challenges of menopause.

The menopause is an inevitable transition for women, yet many feel unprepared and unsupported during this often-challenging time. With easier access to hormone replacement therapy, advice from dedicated lifestyle coaches and data provided by innovative digital tools, the experience of menopause for women in Kamloops can be greatly improved.

——

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.