The event’s panel of medical experts included Dr. Woganee Filate, Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss, Dr. Sarah Shaw and Lindsay Jephcott, co-founders of Lume Women + Health. The speakers took the podium one by one, covering the history of menopause, their goals of rewriting the narrative on this life transition, educating women on symptoms and providing a modern reframe on aging, and debunking common myths about hormone therapy, sleep and sexual health. 

Attendees engaged in discussions about symptom management, disease prevention and the barriers to and costs associated with menopause care. The speakers shared that there is a lack of menopause education at the undergraduate and postgraduate/residency levels for physicians, as well as a lack of funding for menopause care. Many provincial health care plans do not provide coverage and there is not currently a menopause billing code for doctors. They encouraged attendees to learn more and to advocate for change in this area with government officials. 

At the Q&A session at the end of the evening, guests were encouraged to share their experiences and ask questions, fostering an atmosphere of community and support. “It was inspiring to see everyone come together, learn from one another and destigmatize such an important life transition,” said Kimberly BROOKER Carter’96, Branksome alum and Executive Director of Enrolment Management.

“The information provided by our partners at Lume Women + Health was incredibly valuable, but it was the moments of connection among community members that truly stood out,” added Neetu White, Associate Director of Alum Relations and Community Engagement.