By Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation is pleased to welcome Women in the Room Productions, the team behind “The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause” (The (M) Factor), to our Grantee Blog. The first-of-its-kind film, supported by Foundation President Alex Cohen, documents the health crisis faced by millions of women going through menopause. It reveals how a lack of public dialogue, clinical bias, and gaps in research continue to force women into silence and suffering.
Courtesy of Women in the Room Productions
When we set out to create The (M) Factor, the conversation around menopause was practically nonexistent. Despite so many women, their clinicians, and advocates having stories to share, a culture-wide attitude of silence took a natural phase of life all women experience and turned it into a public health crisis affecting millions every year.
We knew the power of story could ignite change. So, we began crafting a film rooted in honesty, inclusivity, and action—one that would lift real voices and offer tangible solutions for medical institutions and workplaces alike. Our goal was to spotlight efforts addressing a crisis hiding in plain sight and offer replicable solutions while legitimizing and raising awareness of the lived experiences of women everywhere.
Since its official premiere in October 2024, over 46,980 attendees have participated in 1000+ screenings of The (M) Factor. Here’s what we’ve learned.
The Staggering Reality of Menopause
The (M) Factor gave women a platform to speak openly about the obstacles they face—whether in doctors’ offices, on the job, or at home. From racial biases and gender-ignorant care to systemic barriers and a lack of basic healthcare research, their stories expose the harsh realities of seeking care and relief. The statistics are staggering: 80% of women experience symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and mental health issues during menopause, yet only 15% receive evidence-based treatments.
Even when treatment is available, physicians and medical communities often lack the training and research needed to meaningfully support their patients through menopause; of $5 billion in federal funds allocated for research on women’s health, menopause research received only $15 million. Further, as one board-accredited OBGYN interviewed for The (M) Factor noted, she received less than a month of menopause training. With 85% of women reporting that their debilitating symptoms were not addressed, this lack of knowledge and resources for medical professionals leads to women’s issues being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or mistreated.
Empowering Women Through Education
Our mission is simple: every woman deserves to feel prepared, supported, and heard through menopause. The (M) Factor serves as a catalyst for conversations that matter—at the dinner table, in the exam room, and on policy stages. It outlines actionable steps and encourages education for women, their families, employers, and providers. With guidance from healthcare experts and advocates, we’re fostering a cultural shift toward empowerment, not invisibility. We are pleased to share that as a result of watching The (M) Factor, 80% of viewers report having a greater understanding of the terms perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, and 75% are more likely to consult a doctor about menopausal symptoms.
Shaping the Future of Women’s Health
We’re just getting started. As we continue to shred the silence, we invite you to be part of the movement. This is more than a campaign, it’s a cultural reframe. We’re helping to create a future where menopause is recognized as a vital, powerful phase of life. Together, we can create a world where every woman feels seen, heard, and respected in her menopause journey, turning courageous conversations into lasting change. It’s the dawn of a new era in women’s health, where menopause is not a taboo “bookend,” but a celebrated phase of life where women are empowered with knowledge, supported by medical and research communities, and equipped with the resources needed to thrive and lead fulfilling lives. By embracing this change, we pave the way for a future where women’s health is prioritized and celebrated at every stage.
About “The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause”
Menopause is a silent epidemic that affects the health and well-being of millions of American women. In addition to experiencing traumatic physical symptoms, women are struggling with the related stresses of billions of dollars in lost wages, upended careers, family disruptions, and emotional chaos. This film confronts this neglected crisis, challenges societal and medical shortcoming and advocates for a revolutionary approach to women’s health in America. The film was produced by Women in the Room Productions and Take Flight Productions.
Learn more about “The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause,” on our website: themfactorfilm.com.