2025-08-11 –, Brachium
Language: English
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.
Originally from the US, I packed my bags and moved to the Netherlands in 2016 with my husband. I’ve spent most of my career in healthcare, though I took a little detour for a while before returning to the field—because sometimes life’s got other plans! During the pandemic, I discovered my love for baking and started a small cookie business because who wouldn’t want to make the world sweeter while staying sane? If there’s a beer, whiskey, or food festival, you can bet I’ll be there, probably with a cookie in hand and a smile on my face.