Researching Information Support, and equity During the Menopause Transition in Canada (Can-RISE) Study
What is menopause?
Menopause occurs when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 months in a row. All women, transgender, and non-binary people who were born with ovaries will experience menopause, whether it occurs naturally (usually between 40 and 50 years old) or surgically (when the ovaries are removed or after chemotherapy).
What are common symptoms during menopause?
Starting in a women’s 40s, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Some people notice physical, emotional, or cognitive changes, while others notice few or no changes at all. For some, these menopausal symptoms can affect daily life, including their work or relationships. Access to care and support during the menopause transition also differs from person to person. Some people may be unsure where to find information. Also more rural and remote areas may have fewer healthcare providers and resources available to support women. As a result, experiences during the menopause transition are different for everyone.
Research is important to further our understanding of menopause
Canadian researchers across a number of universities and hospitals are working together to lead a national study of women’s experiences during menopause. We are looking for Canadian women, trans and non-binary people aged 35-70 to fill out a questionnaire online. The study will explore:
- The impacts of the menopause transition on quality of life and daily living
- Health seeking experiences and behaviours while addressing menopause transition symptoms, including barriers to obtaining care and satisfaction with the care received
- The sources of information used to learn about menopause
There are no right or wrong answers. We want to understand your experiences and perspectives.
What will we do with our survey findings?
The results will help inform future research, health programs, and policy discussions related to midlife women’s health. Our goal is to improve the menopause transition experience for all women in Canada.
want to participate in our study?
Check back in April for a link to our survey!
Our Team
The Can-RISE Study is led by a Canada-wide team of researchers brought together through the Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada. The team includes scientists with expertise in different areas of women’s, transgender, and non-binary health including sex and gender analysis, menopause and the menopausal transition, sexual health, reproductive health, chronic conditions, aging, equity, access to care, health research methods, and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Sofia Ahmed, Co-Investigator, Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute
Dr. Lori Brotto, Principal Investigator, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Women’s Health Research Institute
Dr. Justine Dol, Co-Investigator, Accelerate Chair in Women+ Health, IWK Health
Dr. Iulia Iatan, Co-Investigator, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute
Dr. Tamil Kendall, Co-Investigator, Adjunct Professor, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Director, Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada
Dr. Colleen Norris, Co-Investigator, Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute
Dr. Alexis Reeves, Co-Investigator, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Scientist, Research and Innovation Institute at Women’s College Hospital
Jordan Chin, Can-RISE Research Coordinator
Sabina Dobrer, Statistician, Women’s Health Research Institute
Nicole Prestley, Knowledge Translation Manager, Women’s Health Research Institute
want To Learn more about the menopause transItion?
Here are some helpful resources for individuals going through the menopause transition:
- Menopause and U: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada’s guide to menopause, symptoms, therapies, and more.
- Canadian Menopause Society: Publications and videos discussing all aspects of menopause including popular myths, symptom management, and preventing osteoporosis. This website also can help you find a menopause practitioner.
- Menopause (Mis)information webinar: Learn about menopause hormone therapy, current menopause research, and common menopause myths from Canadian menopause researchers.
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