Closing the Gap in Menopause Care

Menopause care in BC is improving, but access remains inconsistent. Patients face delays, limited access to care, and barriers to treatment and support. Physicians face limited training, evolving evidence, and time constraints that make it more difficult to provide comprehensive care.

On March 1, 2026, BC began providing menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) at no cost through PharmaCare. This removes a significant cost barrier, but medication coverage alone will not deliver equitable, evidence-based menopause care.

Family doctors are central to improving access. Menopause care is best delivered in primary care, supported by broad clinical expertise and a whole-person approach. With the right supports, care can be delivered confidently and consistently.

What Still Needs to Change

To make this possible, several key areas need to be addressed:

• Strengthen research about menopause care: Investment in menopause and midlife women’s health research is essential. Limited research in this area reduces the evidence and clinical guidance physicians rely on to support patients. (BC Women’s Health Research Institute report)
• Strengthen education and clinical confidence: Physician training does not consistently include menopause care, contributing to inconsistent care and delays in effective treatment. Estimates suggest that up to 41% of medical schools do not include menopause education, and residency programs do not consistently provide relevant clinical experience. (Ontario Health Quality Standard)
• Address stigma and normalize menopause: Menopause remains under-discussed in Canada. More than half of women report it is still a taboo topic, and nearly half feel unprepared for this stage of life. This stigma can make it harder for people to seek care and talk openly with their doctor. (Menopause Foundation of Canada report)

How We’re Supporting You

BC Family Doctors is working to ensure menopause care is supported as a core component of primary care by contributing to system planning, advocating for the supports physicians need to provide high-quality care, and highlighting the need for improved education.

We are also improving compensation across payment models, recognizing the time and complexity required to provide comprehensive menopause and midlife care.

Help Us Close the Gap

We’re committed to improving access to high-quality menopause care across BC, regardless of geography, income, or attachment to a family physician .

As we continue this work, we want to hear from you. What would help you provide better menopause care in your practice?

Have feedback or want to get involved? Contact us at hello@bcfamilydocs.ca