Our Mission
The Menopause Foundation of Canada (MFC) was created to raise awareness of the impact of menopause on women and society. Our mission is to eliminate the social stigma and taboos associated with menopause to ensure that this important women’s health issue is fully supported by our health care system, government, business and the broader community.
Let’s Close the Menopause Knowledge Gap
Menopause affects half the population but remains shrouded in mystery and misinformation. We know a lot about puberty and pregnancy, with education and care available. But when it comes to menopause – the years leading up to it in perimenopause and the years after it – the open talk, fact-based information and societal support disappear. Far too many women go through menopause without a good understanding of what is happening to their bodies and how changing hormone levels can contribute to longer-term health issues. Women are not prepared for this stage of life.
By 2025 more than 1 billion women in the world will be experiencing menopause. In Canada, the number will be more than 5 million.
The average Canadian woman will will spend up to half of her life in a menopausal state – perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause.
3 out of 4 women experience menopausal symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. 1 in 100 women will experience menopause before the age of 40. 1 in 1,000 before the age of 30.
10% of women will stop working because their symptoms are debilitating.
1 in 4 women suffer with severe menopausal symptoms.
Menopause – What Every Woman Should Know
With the onset of menopause and the significant decline in estrogen, a woman’s risk for health conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis and a range of genitourinary issues increase. While menopause is a natural stage of life, the health problems associated with it are real and need our urgent attention. With evidence-based information, the fear of menopause can be dispelled and women will be empowered to make informed choices about their health. The great news for women is that there are many lifestyle and treatment options available to help them live their best life through perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
Visit our Resources page to start your menopause education today!
Genitourinary Health
Lack of estrogen affects the whole pelvic floor and gets worse over time.Genitourinary Health*
More than 40% of women in menopause will experience urogenital issues, but only 1 in 5 will speak to her care provider. Pain during intercourse, sexual dysfunction, recurrent urinary tract infection, vulvar itching & burning are a few of the problems. Many effective treatments are available to manage these. *MENOPAUSE Times Have Changed. Let’s Talk. SIGMA Canadian Menopause Society
Bone Health
The loss of estrogen during menopause is directly linked to osteoporosis.Bone Health*
Fractures from osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined. Estrogen improves bone density and decreases fracture risk. Treatment options are available and lifestyle changes are important to manage this risk. *MENOPAUSE Times Have Changed. Let’s Talk. SIGMA Canadian Menopause Society
Heart Disease
Prior to menopause, estrogen protects against heart disease, which is the number one killer of women in Canada.Heart Disease*
After menopause, a woman’s risk of heart disease increases steadily due to a lack of estrogen. While 1 in 8 women are affected by breast cancer, 1 in 3 women will develop heart disease. Evidence indicates that women who start hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause have a lower risk of heart disease. *MENOPAUSE Times Have Changed. Let’s Talk. SIGMA Canadian Menopause Society
“The biggest public misconception is that menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are trivial and short-lived. Menopausal symptoms are seen as something women have to endure, almost like a woman’s burden. Women need to know that they should not suffer in silence and that there are a range of options to help them.”
– Dr. Wendy Wolfman, Director of the Menopause Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital, President of the Menopause Society of Canada, and the first recipient of the Carol Mitchell Chair in Menopause.
Lack of energy
Depression
Muscle and Joint Aches and Pain
Insomnia
Flushing and Night Sweats
Vaginal Dryness
Bladder Control Issues
Sexual Problems
Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, nights sweats and mood changes are casually trivialized rather than seen as major life disruptors.