Hormone Replacement Therapy Use Jumps 228% Among Canadian Women in Peak Working Years: Manulife Data

Increase highlights growing awareness of menopause and greater uptake of treatment among women aged 45–54

C$ unless otherwise stated                                                                                                              TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC    SEHK: 945

TORONTO, Sept. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- New data from Manulife Canada's Group Benefits business shows a sharp increase in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) claims. In fact, over the past five years, HRT claims among women aged 45 to 54 have increased by 228 per cent, suggesting more women are seeking treatment and support to manage menopause-related symptoms, as awareness of menopause grows and more women feel empowered to seek treatment.

"For many women, menopause can affect nearly every part of daily life – from sleep and energy to focus and overall well-being," said Jennifer Foubert, Head of Product at Manulife Group Benefits. "We're seeing more women exploring treatment options that can help them navigate this stage of life with greater support and confidence that may not have felt available or understood in the past."

While growth is most pronounced among women aged 45 to 54, HRT use is increasing across all age groups. Claims among women aged 35 to 44 rose by 46 per cent over five years, while those aged 55 to 64 increased by 66 per cent. In all age groups, the past two years have represented the most significant increase in HRT claims.

"For many years, HRT was used more cautiously due to concerns about potential health risks," said Dr. Farzana Haq, Physician Lead of Women's Health at Cleveland Clinic Canada, which serves as the Medical Director for Manulife Canada's Group Benefits business. "Today, we have a much stronger body of evidence showing that HRT can be a safe and effective treatment option for many women experiencing menopause symptoms."

Why this matters for employers

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 54 – prime working years – with 95 per centⁱ of women experiencing symptoms that can affect physical, mental and emotional well-being. In Canada, unmanaged menopause symptoms cost the Canadian economy $3.5 billion annually and contribute to one in 10 women leaving the workforceⁱⁱ.

As more women seek support, menopause is increasingly recognized as a workplace issue. Symptoms such as poor sleep, anxiety, and fatigue can impact employees' day-to-day experience at work¹, while access to benefits, education, and care navigation can help individuals better understand and manage their options.

"For years, menopause was something many women struggled through in silence, but today, more women are getting the support and treatment they need," adds Foubert. "The rise in HRT claims reflects a broader shift toward proactive menopause care. These therapies are generally well-established and affordable treatments, making it possible for employers to continue supporting women's health in a meaningful and sustainable way through their benefits plans."

Expanding access to care across Manulife Canada

Manulife continues to strengthen its commitment to women's health by expanding access to specialized support across key life stages. In 2025, Manulife Group Benefits became the first insurer in Canada to partner with Maven Clinic, the world's largest virtual clinic for women's and family health². Today, Manulife has expanded this offering by providing more than 1.4 million Group Benefits members complimentary access to Maven's Menopause program. Across Canada, Maven's menopause and midlife health support is also now available to eligible Manulife Vitality members through Manulife's Individual Insurance Business, as well as to Flexcare members through Manulife's Affinity business. From fertility and family building to pregnancy, parenting, pediatrics, and menopause, Manulife is helping Canadians access support and guidance throughout their health journeys.

For more information on HRT treatment, visit Manulife.ca.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Media Contact 

Emily Vear
437-419-3778
Emily_Vear@manulife.ca 

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2026/02/c1346.html