As Perimenopause Awareness Month (September) and Menopause Awareness Month (October) close out, Ms. has been proud to cover a series of events that brought together experts to expand the conversation. Among these, “Perimenopause ROAR” held last month in New York City marked a powerful moment in women’s health advocacy by Perry and the National Menopause Foundation.
The event brought together a diverse panel of experts, advocates and community members, united in a mission to break the silence surrounding perimenopause.
Laura Okafor, founder of Perry, kicked off the “Perimenopause ROAR” event with a message about the importance of breaking the silence surrounding perimenopause—emphasizing the need for more open, inclusive conversations and setting the tone for a night that would spark meaningful dialogue and empower women to take control of their health during this transformative life stage.
Dr. Judith Joseph, author of the book High Functioning, opened the event with a deep, mindful exploration, readying the room for an evening of honest conversations about the physical, emotional and societal aspects of perimenopause.
Moderated by Celeste Lee, founder of Caire Beauty, the primary discussion featured experts from various fields: Ms. magazine’s, Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, a leading policy advocate and author; Dr. Kameela Phillips, a board-certified OB-GYN; Dr. Rachel Goldman, a clinical psychologist; Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, an endocrinologist specializing in women’s hormonal health; Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, a filmmaker, producer of the Balance perimenopause docu-series and a Jain monk; and Dr. Suzanne Fenske, an integrative gynecologist.
Each question was sourced directly from the Perry community, ensuring that the discussion addressed the real concerns and lived experiences of the audience. Topics ranged from preparing the next generation for perimenopause, destigmatizing the emotional challenges of this life stage, and addressing the lack of accessibility in perimenopause care for marginalized communities.
The event’s first topic, “How to Prepare the Upcoming Generation” struck a chord with many, as women shared their surprise at entering perimenopause without adequate knowledge.
Dr. Kameela Phillips (pictured above) spoke passionately about the need to educate women earlier, weaving discussions of fertility and postpartum health into conversations about perimenopause.
Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen emphasized proactive steps millennials can take now to enter midlife in a healthier state, while Weiss-Wolf delved into how policy changes could play a role in expanding access to care.
The second segment, “Unshaming the Emotional Health Burden,” focused on the often-overlooked emotional toll of perimenopause.
Dr. Rachel Goldman (above) led the conversation, offering tips on recognizing and managing the emotional challenges of this transition, while Fenske and Siddhali Shree explored holistic approaches to mental wellness and how film can be a tool for breaking stigmas.
Perhaps the most poignant part of the evening came during the final discussion, “Making Perimenopause Care Accessible.” Weiss-Wolf tackled the systemic barriers to accessing perimenopause care, particularly for women in low-income or rural areas. The discussion was both sobering and motivating, as the panelists provided practical advice on how women can advocate for themselves and access affordable care, even in a fractured healthcare system.
As the formal discussion drew to a close, each panelist offered a final actionable tip, leaving attendees with tangible steps to take after the event.
From Fenske’s four pillars of health to Siddhali Shree’s call to host community Perry parties, the evening wrapped up with a sense of empowerment and collective action.
Perimenopause ROAR was more than just an event; it was the beginning of a movement to bring perimenopause into the light and provide women with the tools they need to thrive through this transformative time.
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