Menopause Activism Gains Momentum with Naomi Watts and Halle Berry Leading the Way-Evidence Suggests a Brief Film Can Spur Worldwide Transformation
The groundbreaking film, "The M Factor," has taken the world by storm, shedding light on the health crisis many women face during menopause. Launched in late 2024, the film has since been screened in over 50 countries, including Ghana, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany, and in all 50 U.S. states, reaching 159 major domestic markets[6][7].
Produced by Women in the Room Productions and filmed using iPhones by two former television journalists, the film has had a profound impact on public understanding, clinical care, and global dialogue about menopause[8].
Breaking Taboos and Broadening Awareness
In terms of public understanding, the film combines authentic storytelling with advocacy from influential figures like Naomi Watts and Halle Berry, helping to destigmatize menopause and portray it as a powerful, respectable phase rather than a punchline[2][4]. This has broadened awareness worldwide and encouraged open discussions.
Addressing Clinical Shortcomings
Regarding clinical care, the film highlights critical medical shortcomings—such as inadequate research and bias in healthcare—that leave millions of women underserved and turning to alternative wellness solutions to manage menopause symptoms[1][5]. The exposure of these clinical gaps is prompting calls for improved medical education, better resources, and more supportive care for menopausal women[4][5].
Inspiring Global Advocacy
On the global dialogue front, "The M Factor" has effectively "shredded the silence" surrounding menopause by inspiring screenings, media coverage, and reports that emphasize the urgency of addressing this silent epidemic. It provides a platform for advocacy and empowers women and healthcare providers to push for systemic changes worldwide[2][3][5].
Transforming Menopause Care
The film has been incorporated into several medical school curricula and is used as a continuing education tool across specialties[9]. Over 3,200 clinicians have earned Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits after viewing the film. Moreover, 67% of respondents said they planned to consult a provider about menopause or HRT, a 36-point increase from pre-screening levels[7].
Empowering Women
80% of women who watched the film said they better understood perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause[10]. The film has also empowered women to talk about menopause, with 85% of women reporting they felt comfortable discussing the topic with friends or family[11].
Setting the Stage for Future Discussions
Perimenopause, the most critical yet often misunderstood stage, is the focus of a follow-up film for Spring 2026, announced by the producers of "The M Factor." The film has not only sparked a global movement but also set the stage for reshaping menopause care for women at every stage[12].
The M Factor film has successfully transformed menopause from a neglected and stigmatized issue into a topic of informed public discourse, improved clinical attention, and global advocacy[1][2][5]. The producers believe the film has started a global movement, and the new film on perimenopause is just the beginning[13].
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, science, and women's health, the impact of the film "The M Factor" on female health, particularly menopause and perimenopause, has been significant, inspiring open discussions, prompting calls for improved medical education, and encouraging the use of HRT.
- Naomi Watts and Halle Berry, among other influential figures, have used their platforms to destigmatize menopause, broadening awareness worldwide as part of "The M Factor" initiative, which is set to address perimenopause in its upcoming follow-up film.
