I’m a sucker for the Oscars.

In fact, I prepare for the night of the film awards ceremony and its role in amplifying stories that increasingly shape social views on topics like sexual abuse, racism and inclusion.

I watch the nominated films. I read up on the talent. I even make an awesome dinner and open a bottle of wine with my husband to take the show in.

What I loved most about this year’s awards was the winner of the documentary short category, Period. End of Sentence.

It’s a story about improving access to hygienic menstrual pads in developing markets as part of a non-profit titled The Pad Project. Their tagline: a period should end a sentence, not a girl's education.

The filmmaker’s acceptance speech started with, “I’m not crying because I’m on my period or anything, I’m crying because a film about menstruation just won an Oscar.”

She said period and menstruation on live television. At the Oscars, no less!

It’s sad that I’m excited about such a small victory, but women of all ages, especially those in the menopause phase of life, suffering in silence because of the stigmas associated with their bodies gets to me.

Question: how many of you have avoided sharing menopause stories or the real reason you’re calling in sick for work or canceling an evening with friends because of a menopause-related symptom?

Is it that heavy menstrual flow that bounds you to the house; hot flashes that spring up in meetings; incontinence that keeps you from outings with your family; or brain fog that makes you feel like you’ve lost your edge?

Three years ago when we started Gennev, we surveyed 1500 women and asked what they needed in menopause. Their response was to “start the conversation” with the goal of lifting the stigma that's tainted it since before our mothers' generation.

It’s time we get informed. If you’ve got a symptom that’s nagging you, search on it and learn about what’s happening and what you can do to feel better. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, send us an email.

It’s time we see midlife and menopause as the start of the second half of life. This story about activist Michaela Angela Davis and how she looks at life at age 54 caught my attention as a feisty mindset that’s only possible with midlife confidence.

It’s time we arm men with how they can support the women they love.

It’s time we make it safe to talk about what we’re going through. Forward this email to one or two friends who may be curious about perimenopause or are struggling through it.

It’s time you take care of yourself. If you’ve got questions and feel a sense of concern in your gut, respect it. Take 15 minutes out of our day, book an appointment with a Gennev practitioner – or – join our community.

And maybe it's time for a documentary on menopause....or maybe I should just stick with serving the women of Gennev.

Jill

P.S. If you see a topic you want me to respond to relative to women 40+ and our health and well-being, email me at jill@gennev.com.