Women's Health Collective Canada and the Partnership for Women's Health Research Canada launched the Can-RISE study on August 27, 2026, marking the first national investigator-led survey focused on Canadian women's experiences of menopause and the menopausal transition. The comprehensive research initiative seeks to address significant gaps in understanding how menopause affects Canadian women across diverse communities and circumstances.
Dr. Lori Brotto leads the groundbreaking study, which invites Canadians aged 35 to 70 who were assigned female at birth and identify as women, transgender, or gender-diverse people to participate. The 20-30 minute online survey explores participants' menopause-related experiences, creating what researchers describe as the most extensive Canadian dataset on this critical health transition.
Charitable funding supports comprehensive research approach
The Can-RISE study operates with support from a charitable grant provided by Organon and conducted in partnership with GreenShield. This funding structure allows researchers to maintain independence while accessing resources necessary for nationwide data collection. The collaboration represents a significant investment in understanding menopause experiences across Canada's diverse population, from urban centres to rural communities.
Participants complete surveys covering various aspects of their menopause journey, including physical symptoms, emotional changes, healthcare interactions, and workplace impacts. The research design accommodates the complex nature of menopause transitions, recognizing that experiences vary significantly among individuals and communities across the country.
Building evidence base for policy and healthcare improvements
The study's primary objective centres on creating a comprehensive evidence base to inform future research, healthcare delivery, policy development, and workplace supports. Current menopause research often relies on international data or smaller regional studies, leaving Canadian-specific experiences underrepresented in healthcare planning and policy decisions.
Researchers aim to capture how menopause affects women's professional lives, healthcare access, and overall quality of life. The survey explores workplace accommodations, healthcare provider interactions, treatment accessibility, and support system effectiveness. These insights will provide policymakers and healthcare administrators with Canadian-specific data to guide decision-making processes.
The comprehensive approach includes examining how menopause experiences differ across provinces, age groups, and demographic categories. This granular analysis will help identify disparities in care access and support availability, potentially highlighting areas requiring targeted interventions or policy adjustments.
National report expected to influence healthcare landscape
Study organizers plan to synthesize collected insights into a national report expected in early 2027. This document will serve as a foundational resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, employers, and advocacy organizations working to improve menopause-related support systems across Canada.
The research team will create a Canadian research dataset on menopause designed to support ongoing knowledge mobilization and policy development beyond the initial study period. This dataset represents a long-term resource for researchers, healthcare planners, and policy developers seeking evidence-based approaches to menopause care and support.
Healthcare providers anticipate using study findings to improve clinical practices, while employers may reference results when developing workplace wellness programs. The research could influence provincial health policies, workplace accommodation standards, and healthcare funding priorities related to women's midlife health needs.
According to the Digital Journal report, the Can-RISE study addresses a critical knowledge gap in Canadian healthcare research, where menopause experiences have received limited systematic investigation despite affecting millions of Canadian women.
Participation opens pathway to improved support systems
The study's inclusive eligibility criteria reflect contemporary understanding of gender identity and menopause experiences. By including transgender and gender-diverse participants, researchers acknowledge that menopause affects individuals beyond those who identify as women, creating a more comprehensive picture of this health transition's impact across Canadian communities.
Survey participation provides individuals with an opportunity to contribute to research that may directly influence their future healthcare experiences and workplace environments. The anonymous online format allows participants to share sensitive health information while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
Results from the Can-RISE study may influence healthcare provider training, insurance coverage decisions, and workplace policy development across multiple sectors. The research timeline positions findings to inform policy discussions and healthcare planning initiatives throughout 2027 and beyond, potentially improving menopause-related support systems for future generations of Canadians.