‘All Things Menopause’ event sparks dialogue, sells out in weeks

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Organizers plan larger follow-up session in February

A new community event aimed at breaking the silence around menopause has struck a chord with local women, selling out within weeks of being announced.

The ‘All Things Menopause’ evening, organized by Jennifer Smith and Alix Consorti, a local nurse practitioner, was created to fill a gap in local health education and provide a safe space for open discussion about a stage of life that affects millions of Canadians.

“We wanted to provide the community with a greater resource for menopause and create a safe environment to talk about it,” said Smith. “There aren’t a lot of reliable resources available, and many health-care providers are not well educated on menopause.”

The sold out event, set for Nov. 19, will offer education, awareness and support for women looking to better understand menopause and its treatment options.

Smith said she and Consorti were “overwhelmed” by the response.

“Menopause is a hot topic lately. Many women are becoming more aware that there are resources and medications out there, so they don’t have to suffer,” said Smith. “Also, it’s Menopause Awareness Month in October — so why not be loud right now?”

She said many women expressed frustration at being dismissed or told to “just deal with it.” The event, which includes an anonymous Q&A and hand-picked vendors specializing in menopause-related services, aims to empower participants with information they can take back to their health-care providers.

“We want to give them the education and confidence to go to their health care provider with a plan in place that will help them,” Smith said.

Beyond the educational component, Smith said the event also provides an opportunity for networking among women in the community.

“It’s important to create a safe and welcoming space to talk about something that most women are ashamed and frustrated about,” she said. “We hope to hold more events involving different professionals who specialize in menopause, so we can continue spreading awareness.”

The successful response to the first session has already led organizers to schedule a second.

A larger follow-up event will take place Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at River’s Edge at the Arlington. The evening will include a mix-and-mingle with mocktails, dinner, and two yet-to-be announced keynote speakers and Consorti, who holds a master’s degree in nursing and is a certified menopause practitioner, will act as Master of Ceremonies and Moderator. Smith and Consorti are also accepting vendor applications. Updates, vendor application and a link to tickets will also be posted on the group’s Instagram account @AllThingsMenopause, or by email at pedidesigns@rogers.com.

According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada, nearly 10 million Canadian women are over the age of 40, representing more than one-quarter of the population. The average age of menopause in Canada is 51, and up to 80 per cent of women experience symptoms, ranging from hot flashes and sleep disturbances to anxiety and brain fog.

A 2022 national survey by the foundation found that 46 per cent of women felt unprepared for menopause, while 54 per cent believed it remains taboo. Roughly four in 10 said they felt alone in their experience.

Menopause symptoms can also affect women’s participation in the workforce. The foundation estimates menopause-related issues cost Canadian employers about $237 million in lost productivity each year and account for 540,000 lost workdays annually.

Smith said those numbers highlight the need for ongoing discussion and support.