“The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause” is a groundbreaking documentary created to empower and educate the 1.1 billion women worldwide who will be in menopause by 2025. 
The film, by Emmy-Award-winning filmmaker Jacoba Atlas and executive producers, Emmy Award-winning journalist Tamsen Fadal, Peabody- Award winning filmmaker Denise Pines, and Emmy Award-winning producer Joanne LaMarca Mathisen, premieres on PBS October 17th (check local listings), in advance of World Menopause Day, on October 18th.
“The M Factor” features renowned doctors, workplace advocates and leading advocates for women’s health addressing questions that have long plagued women. Women from all walks of life reveal the physical and mental anguish they live with every day. The film also sheds light on disparities faced by Black and Brown women as they assess their treatment options.
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. Experts include Neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi, Certified Menopause Practitioner Dr. Sharon Malone and Delta Dental of California and Affiliates’ CEO and president Sarah Chavarria.
Menopause is a lifelong transition with significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and dementia. 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 resulting in silence and suffering for millions of women.
“Every single woman will go through menopause,” comments 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.”
