HER-BC: Health and Economics Research on Midlife Women in British Columbia
Exploring the experiences of people going through menopause-related transitions to better understand barriers to care, impacts to work and caregiving, and influences on daily living and quality of life.
About Our Research
The Women’s Health Research Institute, in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross and the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation, is investigating the physical and psychological health experiences of midlife women. Of particular interest are the transitions related to menopause; associated symptoms, impacts to daily living, quality of life, work productivity and caregiving responsibilities.
The study is in two phases. Phase I was an online survey that assessed current health conditions, menopause symptoms, health care access and barriers, work force participation and caregiving.
Participants were:
- Between the ages of 39 to 60.
- Residents of BC
- Assigned female at birth, and
- Identify as women, gender diverse, or trans
The research team is now undertaking Phase II of the project, a qualitative exploration of people’s experiences. Interviews have been conducted, and analysis will take place over the summer (2024).
This work acknowledges how menopause-related transitions and responses to them shape aging. The results of this investigation will inform recommendations and strategies to better respond to and support aging, starting at peri-menopause, extending through post-menopause, and beyond.
In the meantime, we have compiled a resource package to support people who wish to know more and/or receive supports concerning peri-to-post-menopause (download here). This is a “living” document, meaning that we will continue to add to it as we become aware of resources. If you would like to add to it, please contact herbc@phsa.ca
About our Team
The Research Team is comprised of clinician scientists from psychology, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, including specialties in pain, health economics, methods specialists, knowledge translation, and in collaboration with patient partners.
Lori Brotto, Principal Investigator
Gina Ogilvie, Co-Investigator
Laurie Smith, Co-Investigator
Marina Adshade, Co-Investigator
Paul Yong, Co-Investigator
Shirley Weir, Menopause Chicks
Cynthia Lin Hsieh, Primary Contact for HER-BC, Lead Research Coordinator
Amy Booth, Research Coordinator
Julia Santana Parrilla, Qualitative Specialist
Kathryn Dewar, Senior Research Manager
Nicole Prestley, Knowledge Translation Manager
Sabina Dobrer, Senior Statistician
Are you a person experiencing menopause-related changes?
We are looking for patient partners to join the HER-BC Research Team!
Your first-hand experience of midlife and menopause can help us better integrate patient priorities into the research project. This includes providing your thoughts on how to:
- interpret data
- communicate findings and outcomes with the public
- pursue future research concerning health during midlife
We will provide patient partners a stipend for their time. Estimated time commitment is 10-15 hours (total), although you can decide your level of involvement with what you feel comfortable with.
Please email us at herbc@phsa.ca to let us know you are interested!
Our Partners
