What's "The M Factor"? Why this menopause documentary is heating up audiences everywhere
+ Holiday gifts made easy: Our Midst-approved guide
BeWell | The Midst beauty, style & wellness newsletter
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Did your mom talk to you about menopause?
My mom never had a hot flash. Nor a period cramp. I know — she’s a fabulous freak of nature, and I’m thankful for all she taught me. But I learned to stick my flushed head in the freezer from my auntie, whose bloodline runs straight to my uterus.
This same question about our moms (if you’re lucky enough to have one on this earth) came with a series of other conversation-starters I received when I co-hosted a screening of The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause alongside menopause expert Margaret Ladner at the Color Club in Chicago in November.
The sold-out screening prompted questions about HRT (hormone replacement therapy), peri/menopause at work, mental health, sex, feminist advocacy, and a slew of symptoms in what intuitively felt like a safe place — and a movement.
After watching the film, I was personally blown away by how dramatically menopause affects every aspect of our person, especially our brains (and surprisingly, our teeth!) — along with how the Mothers of Gynecology devastatingly endured multiple experimental surgeries without anesthesia as enslaved Black women.
Being in my Midst bubble, I sometimes forget how little other women talk about this stuff openly. Fortunately, the film supports similar community screenings around the world so women can join forces and get the information they need to live their best lives.
Why now? 1.1 billion women worldwide will be in menopause by 2025
Menopause is a lifelong transition with significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and dementia, notes The M Factor press. Despite its universality, the U.S. healthcare system often inadequately prepares physicians to address menopause, leading to the dismissal of legitimate health concerns as age-related issues result in the silence and suffering of millions of women.
“Every single woman will go through menopause,” said executive producers Denise Pines and Tamsen Fadal. “The neglect, ridicule, or shaming of debilitating symptoms is unacceptable and impacts more than just an individual woman's well-being.”
In the film, doctors and policymakers speak out on changes that need to be made, especially in the workplace, where roughly 44% of women are over the age of 45. The film also sheds light on disparities faced by Black and Brown women as they assess their treatment options.
Experts include neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi, certified menopause practitioner Dr. Sharon Malone, Delta Dental of California CEO and president Sarah Chavarria, and urologist Dr. Kelly Casperson (above).
Created by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Jacoba Atlas and produced by Women in the Room Productions and Take Flight Productions, The M Factor aims to educate and empower women to seek proper healthcare support. See for yourself:
We would love to hear your feedback (before or) after you watch The M Factor.
How do you find unique holiday gifts for picky people on your list?
Got someone in your life who you love but is a nightmare to shop for? Maybe they already have everything, or maybe they’re super … particular. Either way, this gift guide is here to help you find the perfect present, even for the toughest crowd.
Thoughtful and unique gifts
Upgrade their everyday essentials
Think about what they use every day and consider upgrading them to a more luxe version. For example, my friends knew how much I LOVED my crockpot, so much so that I broke it. They pooled together and gifted me an Instant Pot — something I’d never buy for myself, and now I can’t live without! And I always send them photos of the new, fun recipes I try with it, and feel so thought-of that someone got me something I didn’t know I needed.
Handmade gifts
If you’re crafty (and have the time) consider making (or customizing) a handmade gift. Uncommon Goods has a lot of quirky and unique ideas — like this Create Your Own Reel Viewer.
Personalize it
Whether you make it yourself or order it online, adding a personal touch can add that piece of you to the gift. My mom once gifted me a Paint Your Pet By Number Framed Portrait Kit and I had the best time painting my baby chihuahua. Add a monogram, engraving, or custom design. Even really good wrapping paper shows that you put a special amount of effort into their present.
Practical and useful gifts
Theme it up
When I’m stuck on what to get someone, I start with something small (a cute collectible piece or an item they’ve mentioned wanting). Then I find a couple of related items (in theme and ideally also color scheme), and bam — you have a thoughtful, personalized gift basket! Consider an adorable cookbook, space-saving pots and pans with a detachable handle, and an oven mitt with sass.
Solve a problem
Is there something in their life that could be made easier or more enjoyable? Maybe they had an especially tough year and could use extra care. (I can’t survive a winter or breakup without my COMFY). Or maybe they got a new job that keeps them working late (de-puffing eye stones anyone?) A gift that answers to what era they’re in feels like you’re really cheering them on through life’s current weather.
Self-care wares
You simply can’t go wrong with the latest self-care items — especially if your homegirl is in peri or meno. Consider this iced migraine relief cap, which is also great for de-stressing and de-puffing, or hers Effortless Glow Oil, a hydrating facial oil made of 93% natural ingredients. You can also create a gift bag and add NNABI supplements (our very own Amy Cuevas Schroeder gave the NNABI Peri Essential 5 a score of 4.5 out of 5 GALs in her honest review) to help with everything from stress, mood swings, sleeplessness, brain fog, low libido, hot flashes, joint pain, and more.
Experiences over things
Do something different
Skip the stuff and plan an experience they’ll never forget. It doesn’t have to be pricey — sometimes figuring out the logistics and putting thought into an adventure is special and sweet. Look at sites like Groupon for anything from a cooking class to a hot air balloon ride. Or walk around your neighborhood for inspiration to pre-plan an activity you can do together.
Personalized experiences
Make a list of their hobbies or interests and see if you can theme an outing for them. If they love art, get them tickets to a museum exhibit. If they’re foodies, book a reservation at a top-rated restaurant.
Package it up
If you’re hoping to give them something to unwrap, consider a handmade element or put a photo of you and them in a (thrifted) frame and a card detailing the excursion. A handwritten card or a heartfelt note will make anything feel extra special.
Charitable donations
Donate in their name
In especially turbulent times, consider making a donation in their name to a charity they support. This is a meaningful way to honor their values and make a difference in the world. Some ideas include:
Feed America: Every dollar you give can help provide at least 10 meals to families facing hunger.
Planned Parenthood: Help to protect and expand access to abortion and other reproductive care.
Toys for Tots: Through the gift of a new toy or book, deliver joy to America’s disadvantaged children.
The Trevor Project: Help to make sure that LGBTQ+ young people who need support know they are not alone.
Remember, it’s the thought that counts
No matter what you choose, the most important thing is to show your loved one that you care. A thoughtful gift, even if it’s small, will let them know that you’re thinking of them. Happy holidays!
This gift guide was originally published last week on the-midst.com here.
Thanks for reading this week’s BeWell newsletter!
X, Lauria, Head of Editorial Content at The Midst
The Midst is a woman-owned business on a mission to empower women 35+.
I can’t wait to watch! I think I’ll set up my own watch party this weekend.
What Amy said in the comments below :)