Research is a key component to the advancement of women’s and newborn health. However, less than 6% of Canada’s national health research funding is dedicated to studying the unique health needs of women. This is a stunning disparity that leaves critical gaps in both the understanding and advancement of women’s health.
Research is the catalyst for care and BC Women’s Health Foundation is dedicated to fueling the research that leads to new discoveries that improve healthcare for women and babies in British Columbia. This blogs series introduces you to some of the dedicated medical experts who have devoted themselves to filling knowledge gaps and advancing care for patients.
Women deserve care that is evidence-based and takes a lifespan approach. Women in midlife can experience a wide range of health challenges that can affect their overall health and their personal and professional lives. New research is critical to uncovering ways to help women and healthcare professionals navigate the challenges of midlife.
In Canada, women were only actively recruited in clinical trials starting in 1997. Only in recent years has there been dedicated research into the health challenges women face in midlife. From managing the varying symptoms of menopause, to osteoporosis and breast and brain health conditions, women are looking for answers to support aging well.
A study released in 2024 by the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI) in collaboration with BC Women’s Health Foundation and Pacific Blue Cross, revealed insights into the physical, mental, social and economic impacts of menopause symptoms for midlife women in BC. This study, titled HER-BC (Health and Economics Research on Midlife women in British Columbia), found that 92 per cent of women surveyed from across the province experienced moderate to extremely severe menopause symptoms. Those symptoms negatively affected their jobs, their physical and mental health.
HER-BC study findings pointed out several ways improvements in awareness and support could be made for women experiencing menopause challenges, from raising public awareness, especially in the workplace and among health providers, and of course, more research to address gaps in knowledge.
Dr. Lori Brotto, Principal Investigator of the HER-BC study, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia and Executive Director of WHRI, said: “This report marks an essential first step in addressing the widespread lack of awareness and support for menopause in British Columbia. The experiences shared by the women surveyed make it clear that menopause is not only a health issue but one that deeply affects work, relationships, and everyday life. There is an opportunity to bridge these gaps and tackle the societal stigma that comes with menopause.”
Top medical experts agree that research is critical.
Dr. Kerstin Gustafson, Project Development Lead for the Menopause + Midlife Women’s Health Program at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, emphasized the need for more research in this space:
“Historically, midlife women have been largely underrepresented in clinical trials, thus less understood. For example, there’s good evidence that statins work for men for primary prevention of heart disease. But we don’t know how well statins work for women. And there are several areas of midlife women’s health that are not yet well understood.
When we consider the staggering costs of untreated menopausal symptoms, including quality of life, lost income, and lost opportunities, we should take menopause very seriously. Every woman deserves to have access to accurate and evidence-based information about menopause. They should not be at the mercy of the Internet.”
Dr. Stephanie Rhone, Sr. Medical Director of Ambulatory and Surgical Programs at BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, also believes that an important element to better health outcomes for women in midlife is research. “There’s a tremendous gap in knowledge around midlife and menopause care. Research leads to new treatments and options that open the door for a whole population of women who previously had very limited choices.”
“Menopause has been an under-researched area for far too long, and as a result, many women face these challenges without adequate support,” said Cally Wesson, President + CEO of BC Women’s Health Foundation. BCWHF is dedicated to supporting further research aimed at women in midlife and all life stages.
Investing In the Future Of Women’s Health
At BC Women’s Health Foundation, we believe that no woman should have to navigate midlife health challenges without answers. Research fuels new discoveries that lead to better treatments, improved healthcare policies, and greater awareness.
By investing in research today, we can impact change for generations to come. Your support will help fund critical studies, advance innovative treatments, and ensure that women in midlife—and at every stage of life—receive the care they deserve.
Join us in driving advancements in women’s health. Donate today.
