#USA #Los Angeles #The (M) Factor #Menopause Awareness #Perimenopause Education

New Film on Perimenopause: The (M) Factor 2: Before The Pause

In an exciting announcement that promises to shift the narrative around women's health, the creators of the acclaimed documentary "The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause" are set to release a new film titled "The (M) Factor 2: Before The Pause." Scheduled to premiere in Spring 2026, this upcoming documentary focuses on the years leading up to menopause, a crucial phase known as perimenopause, which often begins as early as a woman's mid-30s and can last up to a decade. Despite its significance, perimenopause is frequently underdiagnosed and not well understood.

Directed by the talented Jacoba Atlas, the film brings together an award-winning team that includes Tamsen Fadal, a prominent Emmy-winning journalist and advocate for menopause awareness; Denise Pines, who serves as the president of the Osteopathic Medical Board of California and is the founder of WisePause Wellness; and Joanne LaMarca Mathisen, another Emmy-winning executive producer. The film aims to merge personal narratives with expert medical insights, expanding on the impactful legacy of its predecessor, which aired nationally on PBS and received screenings in over 1,000 cities worldwide, including a presentation at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In the words of producers Fadal and LaMarca Mathisen, "We're starting this conversation earlier, at 35, not 50. Too many women are told they're too young or are misdiagnosed. This film is about visibility, validation, and giving women a roadmap." This statement highlights the necessity of addressing perimenopause sooner rather than later, a time when many women are grappling with symptoms yet lack the information needed to navigate this transitional period effectively.

Beyond the film itself, the project encompasses a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering awareness and understanding of perimenopause throughout the community. This initiative will feature:

• - A nationwide 10-city screening tour that includes live panel discussions.
• - Employer roundtables that center on creating menopause-inclusive workplace strategies.
• - A free e-learning course for employers, developed in partnership with Midovia.
• - Community screenings and town hall events that welcome the public, healthcare leaders, and policymakers.
• - The NexGen Survey, a research project designed to gather essential data about perimenopause.
• - A national Menopause Provider Directory, aimed at connecting women with culturally competent healthcare options.

Producers emphasize the importance of early education, workplace dialogue, and outreach to younger generations. The film aims to reduce stigma and promote proactive prevention, thereby equipping women with the knowledge and support they need as they approach midlife.

"Perimenopause can start in your mid-30s, so why are we only talking about it at 50?" raises producer Pines. "This film begins the conversation when women need it most and when prevention and planning can make the biggest impact." Such a proactive approach seeks to ensure that women enter midlife informed, prepared, and empowered.

This important project has garnered significant backing, with major supporters including the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation and Alloy Health, along with additional support from organizations like Pandia Health, Monarch, MenoWell, and Symphony Natural Health.

For community members and workplaces interested in hosting screenings or learning more, comprehensive details can be found at TheMFactorFilm.com.

With "The (M) Factor 2: Before The Pause," the filmmakers aim not just to educate, but to catalyze a broader societal change around the conversation on women's health, ensuring that perimenopause is no longer a silent subject, but one that is understood and accepted in society at large.