When the usual advice isn't enough
Every woman deserves good menopause care.
Unfortunately, that's still far from reality.
Some women can't find a menopause informed healthcare provider.
Others can't afford one.
Some are navigating cancer treatment, language barriers, disability, financial hardship or cultural stigma.
This page isn't a complete solution.
It's simply a place to start.
If you know of an organization, clinic or program that belongs here, please tell me.
We'll keep building this together.
New to Canada
For many women, menopause isn't just confusing.
It may be something no one ever talked about.
You might not know the English words for what you're experiencing.
You may not know where to go for help or whether you're even describing the "right" symptoms.
These organizations provide reliable information and can help you find your next step.
Resources:
• Menopause Foundation of Canada
https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca
Free Canadian information, guides and symptom resources.
• Menopause & U
https://www.menopauseandu.ca
Plain language education created for Canadian women.
• The Menopause Society
https://menopause.org
Evidence based information and physician directory.
• AMSSA (Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies)
https://www.amssa.org
Health resources for newcomers available in multiple languages.
Women Facing Financial Barriers
No one should have to choose between paying rent and getting help.
If private healthcare isn't an option, these organizations can help you find publicly funded care and community resources.
Resources:
• Menopause Foundation of Canada
https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca
• Provincial Health811 services
• Your local Community Health Centre
https://www.allianceon.org
• Local Public Health Units
If you're in crisis or experiencing homelessness, start with your local community health centre or women's shelter. They can often connect you with healthcare providers you may not find on your own.
Cancer and Menopause
Cancer treatment can bring on menopause suddenly.
Many women tell me this is one of the least talked about parts of their treatment.
Thankfully, there are organizations doing incredible work.
Resources:
• Canadian Cancer Society
https://cancer.ca
• Menopause Foundation of Canada
https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca
• SHE-CAN Clinic (Sinai Health)
https://www.mountsinai.on.ca/care/lmp/she-can
Specialized care for women experiencing menopause after breast cancer.
• Women's College Hospital
https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca
Early or Surgical Menopause
Menopause before age 45 comes with its own challenges.
Whether it happens naturally or because of surgery or medical treatment, the physical and emotional impact can be very different.
Resources:
• The Daisy Network
https://www.daisynetwork.org
International charity supporting women with premature ovarian insufficiency.
• Menopause Foundation of Canada
https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca
• The Menopause Society
https://menopause.org
Indigenous Women's Wellness
Many Indigenous communities offer healthcare that's grounded in culture, community and traditional knowledge alongside Western medicine.
If you're looking for care, these organizations are a good place to begin.
Resources:
• National Aboriginal Council of Midwives
https://indigenousmidwifery.ca
• National Association of Friendship Centres
https://nafc.ca
Your local Friendship Centre may also know about culturally safe menopause care available in your community.
Shelters and Women Living With Less
Menopause doesn't stop because life gets harder.
Women living in shelters, escaping violence or facing housing insecurity deserve the same dignity, information and healthcare as everyone else.
These organizations may help.
Resources:
• I Support the Girls Canada
https://isupportthegirls.org
Bras, menstrual products and personal care items.
• Women's Shelters Canada
https://endvaw.ca
Directory of shelters and support services.
• Canadian Women's Foundation
https://canadianwomen.org
Programs supporting women facing violence and poverty.
If You Know a Resource...
This page will never be finished.
Every month I discover another physician, researcher, organization or community making life a little easier for women.
If you've found a resource that genuinely helped you, I'd love to hear about it.
The best recommendations often come from women who've already walked the path.
Let's build the resource library we all wish we'd had years ago.