The M Factor: Powerful Film Highlights Menopause Challenges

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Published by Gugulethu Nxumalo at November 12, 2024

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A groundbreaking new documentary, ‘The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause,’ explores the often ignored challenges faced by millions of women as they go through menopause.

The first-of-its-kind film, by Emmy-Award-winning filmmaker Jacoba Atlas and executive producers Tamsen Fadal, Denise Pines, and Joanne LaMarca Mathisen, dives into a much-needed conversation about this rarely discussed but profoundly impactful phase of life.

PBS’s ‘The M Factor’ features renowned doctors, workplace advocates, and leading advocates for women’s health, addressing questions that have long plagued women.

Women from all walks of life reveal the physical and mental anguish they live with every day. The film also sheds light on disparities faced by Black and Brown women as they assess their treatment options.

The creators traveled nationwide, meeting experts and advocates in the field and women experiencing menopause. They did this to uncover the often silenced reality of the public health crisis that every woman will face in their life.

Many women in menopause or pre-menopause experience hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and fatigue. However, what The M Factor reveals is when unaddressed, menopause can lead to some pretty severe long-term health complications like Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.

The documentary exposes how silence on the potential health consequences endangers women’s well-being and often leaves them without support, care, and information.

The Impact Of menopause

One element that stands out in the film is its raw and honest portrayal of menopause’s emotional and physical challenges beyond hot flushes.

It uncovers an uncomfortable truth. Despite the knowledge that menopause affects half of the population, there is a staggering lack of research, public discussion, and accessible care for women going through it.

In 2022, the National Institute for Health’s budget for research was $46 billion, of which around 10% went to women’s health, particularly research on breast cancer and pregnancy-related conditions. Research on menopause could not even be accounted for in that fund.

The documentary normalizes the conversation by presenting personal stories from a wide range of women. It breaks down the societal taboo around this life stage, allowing women to approach menopause with awareness, community, and support.

The Menopause Movement

This initiative also comes as menopause sparks innovation within the femtech industry. Startups are stepping up to fill gaps in women’s health care and address the specific needs of menopausal women.

One key player in this space is Thermaband, a health tech brand co-founded by mother-daughter duo Debbie Dickinson and her daughter, who were inspired by their own experiences and the lack of solutions available.

Thermaband’s flagship product, the Zone, is a wearable device that provides personalized, discreet thermal relief from hot flashes and temperature fluctuations, a common symptom in menopause. By addressing these symptoms directly, Thermaband offers immediate comfort and, importantly, a sense of agency for women who often feel sidelined by the limited support options available.

Dickinson and her daughter are part of a new generation of health innovators working to bring menopause care into the mainstream, empowering women with tools, information, and options to manage their health on their terms. Backed by Google, Thermaband represents a broader shift in tech and wellness to address traditionally underserved areas of women’s health and encourage open, informed conversations about menopause.

A New Era of Menopause Awareness

Thermaband isn’t the only startup tackling menopause head-on. The documentary highlights several other femtech brands entering this space with new products, research, and services aimed at improving the quality of life for menopausal women.

These companies are addressing everything from hormone regulation to mental health support, reflecting a much-needed shift in the health industry’s approach to menopause. Traditional care models often offer limited solutions, focusing primarily on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which may not be an option for everyone. The femtech industry, however, is creating a range of non-hormonal possibilities, allowing women to customize their care according to their preferences and health needs.

Moreover, the success of these femtech companies also underscores the economic potential of focusing on women’s health. According to research, the global menopause market is expected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years, driven by growing awareness and demand for specialized products and services. By prioritizing women’s health in areas that were previously underfunded or ignored, femtech brands are not only advancing health care but also pushing societal boundaries, advocating for the normalization and destigmatization of menopause. This new wave of investment in women’s health innovation represents an encouraging shift toward a more inclusive, responsive healthcare industry that reflects the needs and experiences of women at every stage of life.

Where To Watch

The documentary is more than a film; it’s a rallying cry for awareness, empathy, and change.

Its creators hope that by illuminating the real, unfiltered experiences of menopause, they will empower more women to seek the care they need and drive more comprehensive support systems. For those interested in diving deeper, the trailer is available on YouTube, and the full documentary can be found on PBS’s digital platform.

With initiatives like this documentary and innovations from femtech companies like Thermaband, the conversation around menopause is evolving from a topic once whispered about to a recognized, supported part of life’s journey.