As the leaves change and a cool breeze hits the air, October brings a fresh new focus: Menopause Awareness!

Yep, it's time to have those conversations we've been avoiding for way too long. I know not everyone on this list is experiencing perimenopause or menopause, but you likely know or lead someone who is. Feel free to share this blog post or keep reading to gain insight and empathy for better leadership.

First off, 1 billion (yes, *billion* with a B) women will be in menopause by 2025. So, why the heck are we just talking about this now? And where's all the research and support for these women?!

World Menopause Month is about breaking the stigma and silence (I'll be posting a lot this month about menopause, so be sure to f ollow me on LinkedIn!). We’re diving into real talk, people! Menopause isn’t just a “hot flashes and mood swings” situation—it’s a major life transition, and it’s different for everyone. So let’s stop acting like it’s a taboo topic and start making it part of everyday conversation. Because when we talk about it, we can support each other, share advice, and actually make things better!

Lauren Glazer and I will be at the National Menopause Show on October 26th to do exactly that. We will be promoting our new program - MPower: Flipping The Script on Menopause at Work. Come by and visit our booth and use coupon code MPOWER15 for 15% off entry!

But we're not the only ones talking about menopause this month. On October 17th, PBS is airing The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause. And MedCan recently released a podcast episode on Leading Through Menopause: Strategies for Success.

Here’s the deal: Menopause is a natural biological process. It starts with perimenopause, where your ovaries begin slowing down the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone (the stuff that keeps your cycle going). Your periods start going haywire—longer, shorter, missed altogether. Fun, right? 😅

The average age for perimenopause? Around 45 years old. Younger than you thought, huh?

Once you’ve gone a full 12 months without a period, congrats—you’re officially in menopause! 🎉 And here’s the kicker: menopause isn’t just physical. Those hormonal changes can mess with your emotional and mental health too—hello, mood swings, anxiety, and even depression.

Knowledge is power! The more we talk about it, the more we understand and support each other. Menopause is unique for everyone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we need more research, more conversations, and more resources for women navigating this transition.

So why am I so vocal about Menopause? I experienced menopause unexpectedly and realized there was a serious gap in resources and community support for executives navigating this life phase. Lauren and I created MPower to fill that void, empowering leaders to thrive through menopause at work and beyond.

So this October, let’s commit to breaking the silence, having the conversations, and showing up for ourselves and each other. Menopause is natural, and we deserve to feel empowered through every stage of life.