Manulife opens Maven's menopause program to 1.4 million group benefits members
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) claims among women aged 45 to 54 climbed 228 percent over the past five years.
Manulife Canada said the increase suggests more women are seeking treatment and support to manage menopause-related symptoms as awareness of menopause grows.
Claims among women aged 35 to 44 rose 46 percent over the same five years, while claims among those aged 55 to 64 rose 66 percent, Manulife reported, with the past two years marking the sharpest increase in every age group.
Jennifer Foubert, head of product at Manulife Group Benefits, tied menopause to sleep, energy and focus in the insurer's release.
More women are exploring treatment options that were not previously available or understood, said Foubert.
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 54, prime working years, with 95 percent of women experiencing symptoms that can affect physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The insurer put the annual cost of unmanaged menopause symptoms to the Canadian economy at $3.5bn and said the symptoms contribute to one in 10 women leaving the workforce.
Poor sleep, anxiety, and fatigue can shape employees' day-to-day experience at work, Manulife said, while benefits access, education, and care navigation can help individuals understand and manage their options.
Cleveland Clinic Canada serves as medical director for Manulife Canada's Group Benefits business.
Farzana Haq, physician lead of women's health at Cleveland Clinic Canada, said in the Manulife release that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was used cautiously for years over concerns about health risks.
A stronger body of evidence now shows it "can be a safe and effective treatment option" for many women with menopause symptoms.
HRT contains hormones that the ovaries produce less of as women age and reach menopause, CTV News reported, citing the Canadian Cancer Society.
The treatment contains either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin, the outlet said, and can relieve menopausal symptoms and support cardiovascular health.
Hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, depression, heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, and irregular or absent menstrual periods are among the symptoms women may experience during menopause, according to the same Canadian Cancer Society material cited by CTV News.
"The rise in HRT claims reflects a broader shift toward proactive menopause care," Foubert said in the Manulife release.
She described the therapies as well-established and affordable, and said employers can support them through their plans.
Manulife Group Benefits became the first insurer in Canada to partner with Maven Clinic in 2025, the insurer said, describing Maven as the world's largest virtual clinic for women's and family health.
More than 1.4m Group Benefits members now have access to Maven's menopause program at no cost, according to Manulife.
The insurer has extended Maven's menopause and midlife health support to eligible Manulife Vitality members through its individual insurance business and to Flexcare members through its affinity business.
