The (M) Factor: A Groundbreaking Look at Menopause

Rachel Quinn is a busy, active event producer who noticed her energy levels and body changing as she neared 40. She also realized conversations amongst her female friends and colleagues were swaying towards health and ageing more and more often. Discussions resulted in unanswered questions, conflicting findings and not a lot of answers. When Rachel began investigating menopause and healthy ageing the information she found was insufficient. 

“As I and other women in my life have reached our 40s, I realize how much misinformation there is around women’s health, especially when it comes to ageing. I want to be educated and proactive about my health, physical and mental wellbeing, and I know so many other women feel the same. 

Sharing the (M) Factor documentary is about more than just raising awareness; it’s about empowering women to feel seen, understood, and equipped to navigate this journey. By engaging local experts to discuss the facts and the social impact of menopause, we’re creating a space where we can share the questions we’ve been too uninformed to ask. The goal of this screening is to share honest, practical strategies and tools to take care of ourselves and each other. This screening creates a supportive space where women can learn, connect, and know they’re not alone in this transformative stage of life.” 

• Rachel Quinn, Founder Quintessential Events

Menopause is universal

The documentary film The (M) Factor, Shredding The Silence on Menopause, has generated significant buzz, not only for its insightful exploration of women’s health but also for its unusual distribution strategy. The film has been showcased primarily through private screenings, a choice that aligns with its deeply personal subject matter and its mission to foster intimate, meaningful discussions. However this approach also keeps conversation behind closed doors, accessible only to those in the know. Menopause is a universal experience that every woman goes through, and like puberty it is a natural phase of life that for too long has been a secretive and mysterious topic. 

Tamsen Fadal is the producer of the menopause documentary and the author of the book, How to Menopause. She believes, “menopause remains one of the last taboos in our permissive, talk-about-everything pop culture.” Tamsen is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, content creator, author, speaker and menopause advocate. Other filmmakers on the project include Coby Atlas, Tamsen Fadal, Denise Pines, Joanne LaMarca Mathisen.

The (M) Factor

The (M) Factor film delves into the multifaceted world of women’s health, with a focus on understanding the physical, emotional, and societal factors that menopause influences. The documentary highlights the often-overlooked and under-discussed implications of menopause, including hormonal changes, reproductive health, mental health, and the impact of societal expectations. Through interviews with medical professionals, researchers, and women from diverse backgrounds, the film paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs women face in seeking clarity and agency over their health as they age. 

Why Private Screenings?

The decision to prioritize private showings over traditional cinema or streaming releases reflects the filmmakers’ dedication to creating safe spaces for dialogue. Health, particularly women’s health, can be a deeply personal topic. By organizing small, curated viewings, the creators aim to:

• Encourage Open Dialogue: Private screenings allow attendees to discuss their experiences and questions in a more intimate setting, fostering community support.
• Tailor the Experience: Many screenings are followed by panel discussions with healthcare professionals or facilitators who address the specific needs of the audience, making the experience more relevant and impactful.
• Reach Key Influencers: The private-showing model helps connect the film with advocates, community leaders, and health professionals who can amplify its message within their networks.

Women’s Need to Understand their Health 

One of the central themes of The (M) Factor is the hunger women have for understanding their health in holistic and empowering ways. Many women feel underserved, misunderstood and written off by conventional healthcare systems. The film identifies gaps in education, communication, and resources that leave many feeling frustrated and uninformed.

Through stories of resilience and personal anecdotes of women overcoming significant health challenges, the film emphasizes the importance of advocacy and persistence. Hormone replacement, supplements, prevention and management of perimenopausal symptoms are explored in historical context and what is available to women in the United States today. Throughout the film, interviews with doctors and educators highlight the need for more comprehensive health education, particularly in areas like perimenopause, menopause, endometriosis, menstruation, reproductive health and women’s mental health.

A Catalyst for Change

There is power in the shared experiences and support of women. By shining a light on these issues, The (M) Factor serves not just as a documentary and source of information but as a call to action. Its private screenings have inspired community initiatives, from health workshops to advocacy campaigns aimed at improving healthcare access and education for women. The film premiered in October 2024 and has since been shown hundreds of times across the United States, Canada and around the world including India, the UK and New Zealand. 

Empowered Women Empower Women 

The (M) Factor is more than just a film; it’s a movement. By prioritizing private screenings, it fosters a sense of connection and community, encouraging women to take charge of their health journeys. In doing so, the film not only educates but also empowers and brings women together, leaving an indelible mark and desire to share the information with all who see it. 

WATCH the (M) Factor. You can find a showing near you including one in Vancouver, BC on January 14 https://themfactorfilm.com/screenings-new/# 

FOLLOW the National Menopause Foundation https://nationalmenopausefoundation.org/ 

LISTEN to the Hello Menopause! Podcast https://mymenowell.com/pages/community