Menopause, once a hushed topic, is now stepping into the spotlight. Each year, 2 million women in the United States enter menopause, a natural life stage affecting a significant portion of the population (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, n.d.). Despite its prevalence, society has long remained silent about this critical phase, leaving many women without the support and understanding they need.
Menopause encompasses more than just physical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and disrupted sleep. Around 75% of women experience hot flashes, and 50-75% suffer from night sweats (National Institute on Aging, n.d.). These symptoms can persist for months or even years, with an average duration of about seven years (Mayo Clinic, 2024). The persistent discomfort profoundly impacts daily life yet remains inadequately addressed.
Bone health presents another significant concern. Post-menopause, women can lose about 1% of their bone mass per year for the first few years, heightening their risk of osteoporosis (National Osteoporosis Foundation, n.d.). Alarmingly, approximately 1 in 2 women over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture (International Osteoporosis Foundation, n.d.). Despite this, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—a common treatment for menopause symptoms—is used by only 15% to 20% of women due to concerns over health risks (Harvard Health Publishing, 2022).
A recent forum convened by Wendy Lund, Health@WPP at the World Woman Cannes Agenda, addressed these gaps by providing a groundbreaking platform for women to share their experiences and find their voices.
Globally, over 1.3 billion women are expected to be in menopause or post-menopause by 2025 (World Health Organization, 2021). This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for change. As Burcak Simsek – Global Lead Reproductive Health, Bayer noted, “We need to educate women about their bodies, encouraging them to speak up and understand what is considered normal. This is crucial because women are currently underserved and suffering in silence.” Her words emphasized that education is not just about sharing facts—it’s about empowering women to turn personal experiences into a collective understanding, fostering a more informed and supportive community. Emotional well-being during menopause is also a major concern. Studies reveal that approximately 40% of women experience significant emotional distress, including feelings of isolation and loneliness (American Psychological Association, 2021). Jennifer DaSilva, Chief Executive Officer at VML, highlighted this issue: “The loneliness epidemic impacts everyone, but it significantly burdens women during menopause.” She stressed the importance of building micro-communities and supportive environments to help women connect, share their experiences, and break the cycle of isolation.
The role of media and advertising in shaping perceptions of menopause cannot be overstated. Over 70% of women feel that media representation of menopause is inadequate (Menopause Matters, n.d.).Emily Seal – Executive Director of Clio Health, pointed out, “I’ve seen amazing campaigns change culture and conversation around stigmatized issues. Brands and advertisers can drive positive change for women’s equality and health, particularly regarding menopause.” Seal’s insights highlighted how media can drive cultural shifts, normalize menopause discussions, and challenge longstanding stigmas.
As the dialogue on menopause progresses, it becomes clear that comprehensive action is crucial. Less than 10% of women globally can access adequate menopause resources and support (The Lancet Public Health, 2021). Courtney Ambrosi – Associate Director, Integrated Communications, US Women’s Healthcare, Bayer, emphasized a multi-faceted approach: “Women need resources and information to continue this conversation. It’s not just about individual efforts; it requires collective action from media, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and educators.” Ambrose’s statement underscored the necessity of a united effort to provide accessible resources and maintain ongoing dialogue.
The global conversation on menopause is more than just talk—it represents a pivotal movement towards transforming how we understand and support women through this significant life stage. With 1.3 billion women expected to navigate menopause in the coming years, the combined efforts of education, emotional support, media representation, and comprehensive resources are essential. As we move forward, the challenge lies not only in addressing the immediate needs of those experiencing menopause but also in ensuring that the conversation remains open, inclusive, and empowered. By embracing these changes, we are not just supporting individual women but reshaping societal attitudes and building a future where menopause is met with understanding, respect, and proactive care. As Christine Guilfoyle – President of SeeHer, aptly put it: “Menopause is having a moment, and it’s fantastic since 2 million women in the United States enter menopause each year. This forum is a groundbreaking step in giving women the voice and support they need during this pivotal stage.”
Key Takeaways:
Prevalence and Impact:
- Menopause affects a significant portion of the population, with 2 million women in the U.S. entering menopause annually
- Symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats impact daily life and can persist for years
- Post-menopause, women face increased risks related to bone health, with the potential for osteoporosis and fractures
Education and Empowerment:
- There is a critical need for education about menopause to empower women and provide them with the support they need.
Emotional Well-Being:
- Menopause can bring about significant emotional distress, including feelings of isolation and loneliness (American Psychological Association, 2021).
Media Representation:
- Media and advertising play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of menopause and can drive cultural and societal change (Menopause Matters, n.d.).
Resource Accessibility:
- Less than 10% of women globally have access to adequate menopause resources and support, highlighting the need for comprehensive action (The Lancet Public Health, 2021).
Citations: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Menopause. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/menopause National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Menopause. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause Mayo Clinic. (2024). Menopause: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/menopause/basics/definition/sym-20050879 National Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). What is osteoporosis? Retrieved from https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ International Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Facts and statistics. Retrieved from https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). The safety of hormone replacement therapy. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/the-safety-of-hormone-replacement-therapy World Health Organization. (2021). Ageing and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health American Psychological Association. (2021). Women’s mental health and stress. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2021/women-mental-health Menopause Matters. (n.d.). Menopause and media representation. Retrieved from https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/ The Lancet Public Health. (2021). Access to menopause resources. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(21)00231-4/fulltext
