The Menopause Gap: How Silence and Stigma Are Putting Women at Risk (WHY2025)

By 2025, an estimated 1.1 billion women globally will enter menopause, a natural, but misunderstood phase of life. This talk will address the stigma, myths, and misinformation surrounding menopause, focusing on the mental, physical, social, and economic challenges women face. It will also explore the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals, often overlooked in discussions. The goal is to close the knowledge gap, empower women to advocate for their health, and foster a culture of support and inclusivity. Disclaimer: For the sake of simplicity, throughout this talk the term ‘women’ will be used when referring to individuals suffering the effects of menopause, however this information is relevant for all individuals born with female reproductive organs. Menopause remains shrouded in stigma, silence, and common misinformation, leaving many women unsupported and uninformed. Myths and a lack of understanding about menopause contribute to confusion, fear, and inadequate care. It will go beyond the well-known symptoms to uncover the diverse range of life changing symptoms women face during menopause. By openly discussing menopause and moving beyond the idea of 'fixing' women the focus can instead be on building a culture that recognizes and respects the diverse challenges for all women at every stage of life. Licensed to the public under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ about this event: https://program.why2025.org/why2025/talk/9C7CHJ/