CONFERENCE NOTES: Canadian Menopause Society

I've recently returned from Montreal, where the Canadian Menopause Society held its biennial national scientific conference. It was a privilege to be among more than 600 clinicians - our largest gathering yet, immersed in the latest evidence-based approaches to perimenopause and menopause care.

It was inspiring to sit among the researchers and clinicians whose work has shaped this field worldwide. To meet them in person and discover that alongside their brilliance, they are passionate, heart-centred, and often very funny, was a true gift. Perhaps most meaningful was connecting across disciplines - gynecologists, family physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, endocrinologists, and naturopathic doctors, each bringing a unique lens to midlife care. Despite different training backgrounds, the shared commitment to improving women’s health was unmistakable.

Across three full days, sessions explored nearly every aspect of midlife health: sleep disruption, cognition, cardiovascular risk, mood, bone strength, sexual function, and hormone therapy, all woven together through a message of individualized, compassionate, and evidence-informed care.

One theme stood out as especially relevant for the people I work with every day: the evolving understanding of perimenopause and the central importance of sleep. New research, including findings from the Australian Women’s Midlife Years (AMY) Study, confirms what we often see in practice - that symptoms such as sleep disruption, mood shifts, and cognitive changes can begin before menstrual cycles clearly change. This recognition allows us to support women earlier and more effectively, easing the transition and improving long-term well-being.

Sleep emerged as a cornerstone of midlife health. Disrupted or shortened sleep magnifies nearly every other symptom - mood changes, brain fog, vasomotor symptoms, metabolic shifts, and cardiovascular risk. The message was clear: addressing sleep is not secondary; it’s foundational. Early and consistent attention to sleep is one of the most powerful interventions we can offer.

I left Montreal both affirmed and inspired. Research is advancing rapidly, and new evidence continues to reshape how we understand and support women through this life stage. It also reminded me how much there is to share, far more than can fit into a clinical consultation.

This inspiration fueled the creation of a new Midlife Lunch & Learn Series - monthly educational sessions designed to explore key topics like sleep, mood, metabolism, and more, with the depth and nuance that clinic visits don’t always allow. Each class is recorded if you are unable to attend live, and you can register for the full series or simply the topics that most interest you. One special longer session especially close to my heart is designed for partners of those moving through perimenopause - Supporting Through Change - an opportunity to deepen understanding and strengthen connection through this transition. 

Midlife health is finally being prioritized in Canada, and the movement is growing. Thank you for being part of this evolving conversation. Through curiosity, collaboration, and care, we are helping shape a new standard for women’s midlife health.