The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause is a groundbreaking documentary that confronts the often-ignored health challenges faced by millions of menopausal women. This film is a call to action and addresses the racial biases, gender-ignorant care, inequitable systems and barriers due to the lack of basic midlife healthcare research. Dr. L. Dawn Mandeville a gynecologist with Atlanta Gynecology and Obstetrics is bringing The M Factor to Atlanta on January 21st at the Tara Theater. As with many things around women’s health, the subject of menopause has been taboo even though it is as natural as the sunrise.
I asked Dr. Mandeville about the true definition of menopause and if perimenopause was the same thing. As with most things in science, she explained menopause is part of a continuum. Perimenopause is the beginning of menopause it is the lead up to menopause. Menopause by definition means that you’ve gone twelve months without a cycle. Mandeville says that “menopause is inevitable, the suffering isn’t.”
The solution to menopause a few decades ago was hormone replacement therapy I asked Dr. Mandeville about this and she speaks about the research done by the Women’s Health Initiative. The research was done on women between the ages of 50 and 79 and the findings are still being studied even though the study was abruptly shut down. The risks may not be what was originally thought due to the age of the research participants not being considered in the outcome over the short time. Mandeville explains that even doctors can be confused about the use of hormones to treat the symptoms of menopause. The general public might also be unaware of the new science.
I asked Mandeville about the M-Factor documentary and she shared that the film was released last year on World Menopause Day. This groundbreaking information is needed by the diversity of women in our community but at many gatherings, women of color have not been in the audience. Mandeville thought it was important enough to bring it to the women in our communities. In addition, Dr. Mandeville hosts Menopause and Mocktails for women to gather for a “health class” on their bodies and mid-life health.
Register for the M-Factor Movie and Talk
Register for Menopause and Mocktails