Workers increasingly looking for fertility, menopause support, finds report
There seems to be a growing interest among women in the workplace in Canada when it comes to accessing fertility and menopausal benefits, according to a new report.
For one, there was a 20.7% increase in the number of women aged 45 to 65 seeking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms from 2020 to 2023, according to Manulife.
Overall, 13.1% of women claimants between the ages of 45 and 65 made a claim for HRT in 2023.
"Continued education and heightened awareness among healthcare professionals are pivotal in driving a shift in prescribing patterns for hormone replacement therapy,” says Zubina Mawji, primary care physician and certified menopause practitioner at Cleveland Clinic Canada, Manulife’s medical director.
“This is ultimately ensuring that women receive the most effective and tailored care for their menopausal symptoms."
Overall, there has been a total 25.7% increase in the use of fertility medications among women since the early stages of the pandemic, according to the report.
Compared to pre-pandemic rates, claims data shows a 12.2% overall increase in the number of women using fertility drugs from 2019 to 2023, notes Manulife.
Offering workers’ fertility benefits is a growing trend among employers, finds a previous report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).
As women go through all these life changes, it’s important that employers provide the right benefits, says Jenn Foubert, assistant vice-president, health, well-being and disability products, Manulife.
“Comprehensive benefits and flexibility can make all the difference in helping women thrive both personally and professionally,” she says.
Merck's fertility benefit program is looking to support its global workforce.
Aggregate claims data from 2021 to 2023 also shows that 15.1% of new mothers made claims for mental health treatment within six months following pregnancy, according to Manulife.
Four in 10 of those who sought treatment post pregnancy (41.6%), had not made a claim for mental health medication or therapy in the year before they were pregnant. This suggests their condition developed – or existing symptoms worsened – during pregnancy or after the birth of their child, says Manulife.
“The postpartum period represents a significant time of susceptibility for first-time occurrence of mental health disorders, particularly depression, for the birthing parent,” says Liisa Galea, senior scientist and Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
“More awareness across communities, including workplaces and healthcare providers, is needed along with dedicated research, to support mothers and families during this time.”
