The Menaissance: Is Menopause the Next Breast Cancer Movement?

For years, menopause has been whispered about in hushed tones, a phase to be endured rather than embraced. It is now seen as a massive market—$24.4 billion, in fact—fueled by a new movement dubbed the Menaissance (menopause renaissance), which is challenging these outdated perceptions.. Led by health advocates, researchers, and celebrities, this movement aims to redefine menopause as a vital health transition that deserves attention, research, and advocacy.

Much like the breast cancer movement, which revolutionized awareness, funding, and patient advocacy, menopause is stepping into the spotlight. With groundbreaking research like the CARE study focusing on Alzheimer’s prevention in midlife women, and high-profile voices speaking candidly about their experiences, menopause is finally being reframed as a critical healthcare priority.

One major event leading this charge is the recent The World's Hottest Menopause Party, hosted by Tamsen Fadal. This virtual gathering brought together leading experts, advocates, and women seeking answers to push menopause conversations into mainstream discourse. Events like these are proving that menopause is not just a medical transition—it’s a movement.

Why Women Avoid Seeking Help for Menopause Symptoms

Despite increased dialogue, many women remain hesitant to seek medical support for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Why?

• Fear of Aging: Menopause is often associated with aging, and some women struggle to confront this transition.

• Overwhelm from Life’s Demands: The sandwich generation—caring for children and aging parents—leaves little time for self-care.

• Medical Misinformation: Many believe symptoms are just something to “push through,” unaware of available solutions.

• Lack of Trust in Healthcare Providers: Women frequently report that their symptoms are dismissed or misdiagnosed, making them reluctant to seek medical advice.

This reluctance mirrors the early years of breast cancer advocacy, when women hesitated to discuss their experiences. The Menaissance is working to dismantle these barriers and encourage women to take charge of their midlife health.

The CARE Study: A Game-Changer for Women’s Brain Health

One of the most exciting developments in menopause research is the CARE (Cutting Alzheimer’s Risk through Endocrinology) study. Spearheaded by neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi, this $50M initiative aims to cut women’s lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s disease by half. Given that nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women, understanding the hormonal connection is crucial.

Key Insights from CARE:

• Menopause is not just about hot flashes. It marks a critical neuroendocrine shift that can influence long-term brain health.

• Hormone therapy’s role in Alzheimer’s prevention remains controversial, with the field divided over risks and benefits.

• Early intervention is key. Identifying at-risk women in midlife could lead to personalized prevention strategies, potentially reducing neurodegeneration before symptoms appear.

This study underscores the urgent need to view menopause through a broader health lens—not just as a reproductive milestone but as a crucial determinant of cognitive longevity.

Self-Advocacy and the Power of Women Supporting Women

One of the most significant takeaways from the Menaissance is the importance of self-advocacy and community support. Historically, women have been conditioned to downplay their symptoms, avoid conflict, and trust the system to provide care. But when it comes to menopause and midlife health, advocacy starts with you.

Speak Your Doctor’s Language

Many women are dismissed when seeking medical care, particularly in areas where symptoms overlap with conditions like anxiety. One striking example is women’s heart attacks, which often present differently than men’s. Instead of chest pain, symptoms might include fatigue, nausea, jaw pain, or shortness of breath—leading to frequent misdiagnosis as anxiety or stress. Too many women are sent home when they should be getting life-saving interventions.

To get the care you need, speak the language of medicine. Rather than saying, “I don’t feel right,” one possibility is to ask for specific tests. If you are concerned about your heart, as an example, request an EKG and a full cardiac evaluation. If you suspect a hormone imbalance, request a comprehensive hormone panel.

• Speak the language of your doctor.  Let’s face it - doctors are trained to respond to treat the clinical aspects of your situation, not necessarily the valid emotions behind them. Staying calm and asking for a specific test is often more effective than expressing frustration.

• Many women hesitate to ask for what they need. It’s time to change that.

• You are your best advocate. If something feels off, don’t take no for an answer—press for the right care.

Bringing Women Together: The Power of Girlfriends

Women are natural caregivers—but often, they put themselves last. This is why bringing your friends into the conversation is so important. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

• Host a “Menopause Girls’ Night In.” Create a space to talk openly about symptoms, solutions, and struggles. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone makes a world of difference.

• Share knowledge and resources. Whether it’s a book recommendation, a podcast, or a trusted doctor, women lifting each other up is key to breaking the stigma.

• Advocate together. Policy change happens when women raise their voices. Mary Claire Haver’s advocacy tool provides a roadmap to engaging with legislators and pushing for better menopause care at the national level.

Recommended Books on Menopause & Midlife Health

One of the best ways to take control of your menopause journey is by staying informed. Here are some must-read books to guide you:

• Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris

• The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi, PhD

• The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter

• The New Menopause by Tamsen Fadal

• Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause by Naomi Watts

• Come As you Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD 

These books provide personal stories you can relate to, insights, practical advice, and empowering perspectives on menopause, brain health, and sexual wellness. 

Cultural Shifts: The Bucket of F*ckets Mentality

As we redefine menopause, cultural icons are leading the charge. Carla Hall put it best: “As I age, my bucket of f*ckets gets bigger.”

This liberating mindset encapsulates the shift—women are done tiptoeing around menopause. Instead, they’re demanding real conversations, better treatments, and societal recognition of this essential life stage.

The Future of the Menaissance: What’s Next?

The menopause movement is gaining momentum, but there’s still work to be done. Just as the breast cancer movement built a coalition of researchers, patients, and policymakers, menopause needs:

• More investment in research and innovation.

• A push for accessible, evidence-based hormone therapy options.

• Better education for healthcare providers and the public.

The Menaissance is here, and it’s about more than managing symptoms—it’s about reshaping the future of women’s health. By amplifying these conversations and taking actionable steps, we can ensure menopause is no longer sidelined but recognized as a pivotal health journey deserving of attention, funding, and respect.

👇 Are You Ready to Join the Menaissance? Share your menopause experience in the comments.