Almost 10 years ago, when Audrey S. was in her mid-forties, she found herself struggling with unsettling symptoms, which among other things included her inability to sleep. At the time, no one was talking about perimenopause and menopause, nor were these life stages on Audrey’s radar. For Audrey, these symptoms were even more concerning because, in her early twenties, she’d been diagnosed with a serious condition that required treatment and her fear of a relapse lingered.
“I’ve had moments where I’ve worried certain things might be relapses and certain things might be other problems related to that.”
Audrey had always taken a proactive and informed approach to her health. So, when her symptoms first appeared, she made every effort to face them head on by tracking them, asking questions and seeking advice through her family doctor. She was referred to specialists who attempted to treat each symptom individually. But despite her best efforts at following the treatments and tweaking her already healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle regime, Audrey found herself continuing to search for answers and still overwhelmed by symptoms.
She couldn’t shake the fear that what she was experiencing might be linked to her past medical condition and that subtle changes were being missed.
“It wasn’t that I wasn’t being seen,” said Audrey. “It’s that no one was putting the pieces together.”
In late 2023, another symptom appeared out of nowhere, frozen shoulder. Audrey suffered two bouts of this unbearably painful condition. Both times, she was so sick from the pain that she couldn’t get out of bed.
Audrey needed someone who could see her symptoms collectively, rather than individually. She needed a menopause-informed doctor who could look at the full picture.
Life-changing treatment at BC Women’s
In late 2024, Audrey was referred to the BC Women’s Complex Menopause Clinic. Almost a decade from the start of her menopause journey, she finally found the support she needed through a holistic treatment plan developed by Dr. Fisher and the Complex Menopause Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital.
“There’s an incredible amount of research happening around menopause right now and there are many more options for treatment available. We’re finding innovative ways to treat complex menopause symptoms, as well as ways to educate women on life changes that happen during menopause, so they can be in a better position to recognize symptoms and advocate for themselves with their primary care provider.” – Dr. Stephanie Fisher, Senior Medical Director, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
For the first time, Audrey felt someone was listening when she described the symptoms that were interrupting her life. Dr. Fisher recommended a treatment plan tailored to Audrey’s needs, which included hormone therapy that factored in Audrey’s medical history.
Audrey began her treatment in January 2025. Today, she continues to experience relief from many of her symptoms. Almost immediately, she was sleeping better, had less inflammation and improved overall health. She also now lives with the peace of mind in knowing she’s in good hands with experts who understand her unique needs as a midlife woman with a complex medical past.
“I finally have a road map. It’s not just about treating the symptoms. It’s about having a team of experts I can trust and who understand how complex menopause can be.”
You can help BC Women’s Health Foundation redefine menopause
Although every menopause journey is different, it’s a journey all women go through when they reach midlife. Women deserve to know they’re not alone in menopause.
“Only 7% of national health research funding goes to women’s health research. We need more funding that’s dedicated to understanding the health of women, so that this can drive innovations in care.” Dr. Lori Brotto, Executive Director at the Women’s Health Research Institute at BC Women’s
When you donate to BC Women’s Health Foundation, you’re helping redefine menopause with support for:
- Menopause education: Free webinars and evidence-based resources to help women be more informed about perimenopause and menopause and more comfortable talking about this life stage.
- Menopause research: Groundbreaking studies on care and treatments to better serve women now and for generations to come.
- Menopause care: Support for women who are struggling with unique and complex symptoms of menopause through funding for the BC Women’s Midlife + Menopause Program and the BC Women’s Complex Menopause Clinic.
It’s personal. For women like Audrey, and for all the women close to you. Donate to BC Women’s Health Foundation today and help us redefine menopause.