Since starting my career as a practising pharmacist, I have noticed a shift in the ease and comfort that women have when speaking with the pharmacist about women’s health issues. Hormone therapies have become more accepted in general, with a growing body of evidence supporting hormone therapies (HT) as a safe and effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. This has led to easier conversations about the available treatment options, which lead to women having more confidence in the management of their health.

Enhanced Access to Hormone Replacement Therapy

Some recent data caught my eye, which backs this up. According to Manulife, there has been a 228% increase in Manulife group benefit claims for hormone therapies for women in the age 45-54 group over the past 5 years. While HT is not without risks and may not be for every woman, hormone therapies are helpful for managing symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, irritability, and fatigue. Some new non-hormonal options are emerging as well to help with some of these symptoms, which offer good options for those women who opt for a non-hormonal route.

Here in Manitoba, the Manitoba Enhanced Pharmacare Program (MEPP) added many HT options in April of 2025, increasing access to women for whom the cost of prescription therapies may have been a barrier. Most treatments are available at no cost to eligible Manitoba residents. From my observations, the accessibility of these types of treatments has helped to increase the number of women able to benefit from these medications. The resulting benefits to women will likely lead to fewer women having to silently cope with menopause, to a more proactive approach being possible.

BreastCheck and the Manitoba Breast Prothesis Program

Being proactive also means taking advantage of screening tools, to help identify potential issues early. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and breast cancer screening appointments are available in Manitoba for people age 45 and over, every 2 years. I encourage women who are eligible to be proactive and decide whether a screening appointment is appropriate, and if so, to call BreastCheck at 1-855-952-4325 to make an appointment at their nearest screening location. For more information, the BreastCheck website is an excellent resource.

Our pharmacy already feels like a hub where Women’s Health conversations and support are centred. Many breast cancer survivors will be familiar with Erica Wilson’s work helping guide people through the Manitoba Breast Prosthesis program. This program provides financial support for women who have undergone a lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast prostheses and pozcketed bras. Erica and her team work with patients to access the program, select suitable products, and provide the fittings through scheduled appointments. Find more details about the program and different options for breast prothesis here.

Increased Access to Hormonal Contraception

MEPP has also expanded to provide no-cost hormonal contraception products to eligible Manitoba women. And, as of August 2026, Pharmacists’ scope of practice in Manitoba has expanded to allow trained pharmacists to assess patients and prescribe birth control right in the pharmacy. This significant shift adds to the pharmacists’ ability to serve as a more complete resource for women’s health access. Pharmacists have been relied upon for consultations and advice on pregnancy support, supplements, PCOS, and endometriosis. Adding the ability to prescribe no-cost hormonal contraception significantly furthers the role of the pharmacist in women’s health, and expands the conversations that can occur in the pharmacy. Learn more about hormonal contraception options available at your pharmacy.

A shift is happening in women’s health. More and easier conversations are the key. This October, I encourage all women to start the conversation that moves them toward better health. What is the health conversation that you want to start?