Untreated Menopause Symptoms Cost Canada's Economy $3.5 Billion, Experts Tell MPs

Published 2026-11-05

Health experts recently told Members of Parliament that untreated menopause symptoms are costing Canada's economy about $3.5 billion every year. The information was shared during a parliamentary committee meeting, where researchers and doctors discussed how common menopause-related problems affect Canadian workers and families.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life, usually happening between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, many women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes and difficulty concentrating. The experts said that many women do not get the help they need, either because doctors do not always recognize the symptoms or because treatment is hard to access. As a result, some women reduce their hours at work, take more sick days or leave their jobs completely.

The witnesses told MPs that better education for doctors and workers could reduce these costs. They also suggested that employers could support women by offering flexible schedules, better workplace policies and information about menopause. According to the experts, these steps could help women stay in the workforce and improve their health at the same time.

The committee's discussion is part of a wider effort to improve women's health care in Canada. It is not yet clear what specific actions the federal government will take. However, the experts stressed that addressing menopause is important for individual women, for their families and for the country's economy.

Sources: CBC

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