Menopause is gaining attention in a way that would have been unimaginable years ago. Public figures and celebrities like Melinda French Gates, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, Halle Berry, and Kate Winslet are breaking the silence around menopause. They’ve called it a ‘menopause revolution’, discussing various aspects such as perimenopause and hormonal therapies.
Previously, menopause might have been viewed as something shameful, but now it is recognized as a significant market worth over $10 billion. The industry is growing rapidly yet remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated, presenting an opportunity for both philanthropy and private equity to understand the potential of menopause research and product development. Most women will spend up to one-third of their lives post-reproduction, during which they often confront societal and cultural taboos.
A notable cultural shift is underway as women refuse to accept euphemisms and demand open conversations about menopause. Events like ‘Menopunkapalooza’, a festival themed around menopause, outline how this life stage is being redefined. The existing cultural scripts are evolving, letting society focus more on valuing the experiences and knowledge of older women, sometimes referred to as ‘crones’.
“Is our youth-obsessed culture finally entering the golden age of the crone?”
Feminists have long called for rebranding menopause, as women too often become invisible in healthcare, which tends to focus on pregnancy-related stages. This could lead to medical professionals denying treatments like tubal ligations, fearing a woman might change her mind. Although menopause symptoms can be uncomfortable, many women find relief in no longer being seen as potential mothers.
A new generation is challenging that invisibility. Millennials, often criticized for being demanding, are pushing for better healthcare, which benefits menopausal women. This generation enjoys more education, financial resources, and independence than previous ones, and they are not scared to request better treatment. While disparities remain, such as lack of health care for Hispanic and Black women, these community-driven efforts aim to bridge the gap.
Historically, women have relied on communal health practices when conventional medicine falls short. While some folk practices can be helpful, others might seem overly whimsical. For example, social circles designed to celebrate the womb might include wearing white clothes and chanting, which may not be comfortable for all women with unpredictable symptoms.