When a woman stops having menstrual periods, she enters a stage of life known as menopause, often referred to as the “change of life.” Before reaching menopause, many women experience perimenopause, a transitional phase marked by various symptoms. Menopause can impact the entire body – many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, sleep disturbances and more. And while menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life, it’s still considered a taboo topic for many.
That’s why The International Menopause Society, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, designated October as World Menopause Month to raise awareness about menopause, perimenopause and the support options available.
Women’s College Hospital’s Dr. Iliana Lega, medical lead of reproductive endocrinology, and Dr. Michelle Jacobson, gynecologist and menopause specialist, are committed to shifting the perception and care surrounding menopause. By emphasizing awareness, they aim to change how menopause is understood and managed.

In recognition of World Menopause Month, Lega and Jacobson have addressed several key gaps in care:
- In a newly published paper, published in CMAJ, Lega and Jacobson discuss five key points about perimenopause, highlighting that symptoms related to low estrogen can and should be treated during this time.
- In an article in Toronto Star, they encourage women to advocate for themselves with healthcare providers and to ask doctors about menopausal hormone therapy when they believe it could be beneficial. The piece calls for better awareness and education for women experiencing menopausal symptoms, urging the healthcare system to prioritize effective care and treatment options.
- In the Aging Powerfully podcast, they clear up the confusion surrounding hormone replacement therapy and menopause hormone therapy, address common concerns, eligibility and alternative treatment options. Much of the fear surrounding menopause treatment originates from a 2000s study linking hormone therapy to higher risks of breast cancer, stroke and heart disease. However, their research reanalyzed this data, finding no increased risks and suggesting potential protective benefits. By highlighting the low risks of stroke and breast cancer, this work empowers women to make informed health decisions during menopause.
By advocating for better care pathways for menopause, we can shift the conversation from viewing it as a taboo subject to one that is topical. Greater awareness, medical education and peer support are the way forward.