Menopause is a significant life transition that can affect many aspects of health and well-being, including bone health and the management of autoimmune and chronic conditions. Understanding these impacts can help individuals make informed decisions and access appropriate support and care.

Join the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA) for a one-hour webinar on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM EDT, exploring menopause and bone health through lived experience, research, and care perspectives. This discussion will bring together individuals with lived experience, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge, insights, and practical strategies for navigating this important stage of life.

This webinar will cover topics including:

• The impact of menopause on bone health and overall well-being
• Menopause and the management of arthritis and other autoimmune conditions
• Current research and emerging knowledge in menopause and women’s health
• Clinical perspectives on bone health and disease management during menopause
• Personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for navigating menopause

This conversation will feature:

• Dr. Carol Hitchon, Rheumatologist and Researcher
• Dr. Carrie Ye, Rheumatologist and Bone Health Specialist
• Kaira Naidu, Menopause MATTERs Study, University of Cambridge
• Natalie Boivin, Person with Lived Experience
• Linda Roy, Person with Lived Experience

Whether you are experiencing menopause, supporting someone who is, living with arthritis or another autoimmune condition, or interested in learning more about women’s health and bone health, this webinar offers valuable insights and practical information.

We encourage you to register and participate in this informative and engaging session. The webinar will be recorded and shared on our website and YouTube channel for those unable to attend live. Live captions in both English and French will be available.

PANELIST BIOGRAPHIES

Dr. Carol Hitchon is an Associate Professor of Medicine and clinician scientist in the Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, at the University of Manitoba. She completed her medical degree at the University of Alberta, followed by training in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and an MSc in Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Her clinical practice focuses on inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue diseases and lupus. Dr. Hitchon’s research examines the causes, progression and outcomes of rheumatic diseases, and she collaborates on national and international research initiatives aimed at improving care and health outcomes for people living with rheumatic conditions.

Dr. Carrie Ye is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta and a rheumatologist with a clinical focus on musculoskeletal conditions in people living with cancer. She serves as Medical Director of the Northern Alberta Osteoporosis Program, leading a multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving bone health and osteoporosis care. Dr. Ye is also the Clinical Lead of the Canadian Rheumatology Research Group in Immuno-Oncology (CanRIO). With a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, her research focuses on the intersections of bone and joint diseases, cancer and artificial intelligence.

Kaira Naidu is a health economist and researcher at the University of Cambridge. She leads the Menopause MATTERs study under the supervision of Dr. Melanie Sloan, investigating the impact of menopause and its treatment on women living with autoimmune diseases. Her research focuses on how menopausal symptoms interact with disease activity, quality of life, and long-term health outcomes, as well as the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in symptom management. Kaira is particularly interested in women’s health, patient experiences, and improving evidence-based care. Through her work, she aims to better understand the unique challenges faced by women with autoimmune conditions during the menopausal transition and to support more integrated, patient-centred approaches to care.

Natalie lives in Ottawa. In 2016, she was diagnosed with a rare autoinflammatory disease while living and working as a prosecutor in northeastern Ontario. This diagnosis changed her life and involved treatment by a multidisciplinary team that was not available in her hometown. Having moved to Ottawa in 2018, she counts herself lucky to receive wonderful care at The Ottawa Hospital. She became a patient advisor for this same hospital, as well as for Montfort Hospital. Her passion for advocacy, volunteer experience on various boards throughout her legal career, including women at risk, healthcare, and the arts, along with a newfound passion for medical research, have led her to become a patient partner through the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance.

Linda’s life has been defined by resilience, hope, and a calling to help others. Adopted at 14 months, she understands the power of being given a chance and hopes to help others find that same encouragement and hope. Living with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 35 has brought pain and loss, but it has also forged strength, patience, and courage. With the support of compassionate doctors, fierce determination, and steadfast love, she fought her way forward, losing over 250 pounds and enduring twelve surgeries to regain her mobility and independence.
Even as new challenges arise, Linda remains committed to giving back through understanding, comfort, and advocacy.