From Work to Quality of Life: Canadian Study Examines Women’s Experiences Through Menopause

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published August 18, 2026

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Canadian health and research organizations have launched a new national study examining what women experience during perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause, including not only health symptoms but also the impact on everyday life, work, relationships and access to appropriate care and information. The Can-RISE Study is described as Canada’s first national investigator-led study dedicated specifically to understanding women’s experiences of the menopause transition.

The study is the first major initiative supported through a partnership announced August 10 between Women’s Health Collective Canada and GreenShield. It is led by the Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada and involves researchers from institutions across the country, including the University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Toronto, McGill University and IWK Health.

Researchers are examining how perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause affect quality of life and daily activities, as well as women’s experiences when seeking health care, barriers to obtaining support, satisfaction with the care received and the sources people use to learn about menopause.

The research notes that hormonal changes during the menopause transition can be accompanied by physical, emotional or cognitive changes, although experiences vary widely. For some people, those changes can affect daily life, including work and relationships, making the study broader than a simple survey of medical symptoms.

The project is also placing particular emphasis on populations whose experiences have historically been underrepresented in research. Researchers hope to identify gaps and inequities in access to information, health care and support, including differences faced by people living in rural or remote communities.

People aged 35 to 70 who live in Canada and meet the study’s eligibility criteria are currently being invited to participate. The study involves a 20- to 30-minute online survey about experiences with perimenopause and menopause, related symptoms, daily life and access to care and support.

Researchers say the findings will help inform future research, health programs and policy discussions on midlife women’s health, with the broader goal of improving menopause care and support across health care, workplaces and communities in Canada.