Menopause Symposium Brings Awareness and Support to Defence Team

Kelley Stark, MARPAC Public Affairs

Maritime Forces Pacific’s (MARPAC) first Menopause Symposium took place on Nov 21 in a step towards fostering awareness and support for women’s health in the workplace. Menopause impacts not only individual well-being in life, but also team dynamics, productivity, and retention — yet it remains one of the least discussed phases of life. By creating space for education and dialogue at the workplace, MARPAC is leading the way in breaking stigma and promoting inclusivity.

The event was filled with attendees from diverse age groups and backgrounds, highlighting that menopause continues to be a topic that resonates beyond the demographic of middle-aged women. Captain(Navy) Mike Stefanson, Champion for the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO), opened the event, reminding audiences that mental, physical, and spiritual health are all key to operational success.

“If it’s important to you, it’s important to me and the Admiral,” he said, encouraging people to lean on the DWAO team when needed.

The first speaker, Susannah Stewart, a pelvic health physiotherapist in Victoria, gave a talk titled Menopause 101. She explained that menopause can happen for many reasons, including surgery or medical treatment, and that it also affects gender-diverse people. There are over 130 symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, brain fog, and anxiety. She also shared that hot flashes could signal risks for heart disease or dementia. Stewart stressed the value of pelvic physiotherapy and addressed hormone therapy. Next, Shirley Weir, women’s health advocate and founder of Menopause Chicks, spoke about changing attitudes. She noted that many women still feel dismissed when they engage with doctors. Her advice: advocate for yourself, ask questions, test your thyroid yearly, and believe women’s experiences.

Serena Peck, a registered kinesiologist and founder of Serene Motion, focused on exercise. She explained the difference between physical activity and exercise, and why both matter for heart, muscle, and bone health, saying somewhat jokingly, “sitting is the new smoking.” Her tip for lifting weights: start small, then increase weight and intensity over time. The symposium’s final speaker, Dr. Shana Johnston, a family physician and holistic health advocate, explored emotional health. She urged everyone to embrace their emotions and that feelings are energy in motion. She encouraged people to rethink the ‘shoulds’ in their lives and begin to also think about the benefits of saying “no.”

Finally, the day ended with closing remarks from RearAdmiral (RAdm) David Patchell, who said, ““Menopause is an important health topic that impacts many in our Defence community. By prioritizing health, we strengthen not only individual well-being but also the operational effectiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces.”

Following positive feedback post-event, DWAO’s cochairs, Vanessa Nicholson and Master Warrant Officer Samantha Crowe plan to offer a symposium similar in nature in the future. How to join the DWAO: At the policy and program level, the DWAO assists with identifying systemic employment barriers, provides unique perspectives to affect change, and directly advises both local and national leadership on issues that adversely affect their communities. The importance of the DWAO is that they raise concerns through the organization for senior leadership to consider and act upon. These concerns can range from unique issues affecting our base to national level issues, including policies or programs that are not advantageous to its represented community.

All CAF members and DND public service employees, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, orientation, disability, age or background, are welcome to join the DWAO. If you are interested in joining, please contact: Defence Women’s Advisory Group (DWAO) +DWAO-MARPAC@MARPAC HQ@Esquimalt