A cross-sectional cohort study of menopause-related symptoms in British Columbia

Menopause is a universal experience for women, yet research on its symptoms and associated health-seeking behaviors remains limited. This study documented menopause-related symptoms and severity, and their impacts on the mental health and quality of life among midlife women in British Columbia. Of a total of 1850 participants (mean age = 49.43 ± 5.59 years) who completed an online survey, 56.95% experienced symptoms above a "clinically acceptable" threshold, psychosocial symptoms being the most prevalent, with 37.66% of participants scoring above the threshold for depression and 24.38% doing so for anxiety, while 30.85% reported reduced quality of life. Higher levels of education and income were associated with fewer menopause symptoms, lower anxiety and depression scores, and improved quality of life. Geographic locality also influenced outcomes, with women in larger urban areas reporting fewer menopause symptoms and lower mental health burdens than those in smaller communities. The findings of this first-of-its-kind Canadian study highlight the significant burden of menopause symptoms, and underscore the role of social determinants of health, including education, income, and geographic locality, in shaping menopause experiences. These insights emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve menopause care and support mental health outcomes in midlife Canadian women.