Here’s a Hot Flash: Women’s Health Matters. Period.

From Menstruation to Menopause, A new look at Women’s health.

Women’s health has been under-researched and under-prioritized because of long held historical misconceptions, stigma and underfunding.

Dr. Jen Gunter, renowned author and gynecologist, summed it up by writing: “Women were long viewed as lesser and more troublesome versions of men, and their reproductive tracts were primarily studied to improve pregnancy outcomes. This has resulted in inadequate research and education about the female body and the dismissal of women’s health concerns”.

Menstruation, ovulation, perimenopause and menopause are as normal as any other function of the body yet remains taboo, despite being a reality for 50% of the population.

There is a cost to this stigma. 83% of young Canadian women experience shame about menstruating and 1 in 3 don’t feel prepared for their first period. 68% of women in Canada felt that their period prevented them from full participation in an activity. More than half have missed school, work or social activities.

Period poverty is real, and not just in developing nations. One in five women in Canada struggle to afford menstrual products. This inequity doesn’t end when menstruation ends. The Menopause Foundation of Canada reports that 10% of women will stop working due to unmanaged symptoms.

Every March, we come together to observe International Women’s Day, and this year, the Empire Club is excited to present “Here’s a Hot Flash: Women’s Health Matters. Period.” Our experts will debate how far we have come and the work still to be done.  They’ll share stories and evidence on how bringing conversations on women’s health out into the open benefits individual women, the economy, and our broader society.

On March 20th, 2025, join Karli Farrow, President and CEO at Trillium Health Partners (THP), Joanna Griffiths, Founder and President of Knix and Dr. Wendy Wolfman, Director of the Menopause and the Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Clinics at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto for a lively discussion on women’s health from menstruation to menopause, with Teri Hart, journalist and TV host, as the moderator.

 *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.*

*Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*