[Applause] So, my mom calls me one day. She sounds a little concerned. She says, "Buffy, I haven't gotten my period in 3 months. I don't know what's happening." You know, when your life flashes before your eyes and you see this montage of your future.Yeah, it was like that but in the absolute worst way possible because it involved me being a middle child. So I asked her something I had never imagined asking my mom, "Mama, are we about to have an addition in this family?" And honestly, I regret asking becaus ...

Now 58, Halle Berry is taking on her most important role yet—championing women’s health. It’s a mission of both advocacy and entrepreneurship that began when her own perimenopause was misdiagnosed as herpes.https://t.co/MtCTB6DCs9 #ForbesOver50 (Photo: Cliff Watts For Forbes) https://t.co/RK9h4O4oGi ...

Now 58, Halle Berry is taking on her most important role yet—championing women’s health. It’s a mission of both advocacy and entrepreneurship that began when her own perimenopause was misdiagnosed as herpes.https://t.co/L00gPt7oH6 #ForbesOver50 (Photo: Cliff Watts For Forbes) https://t.co/lewiwSXGrV ...

Industry Overview & Problem Statement - The silence around perimenopause is a public health crisis with global consequences [4] - Women between 35 and 55 are the forgotten generation in healthcare, with perimenopause impacting them during their prime [5] - By 2030, 1200 million (1.2 billion) women worldwide will be in menopause, and 75% will experience disruptive symptoms [6] - Despite the American Heart Association recognizing menopause as a critical risk factor for heart disease in women in 2020, little action has been taken [7] Economic Impact - The US economy loses $18 million (1.8% billion) annually due to lost workdays related to menopause [9] - One in four women consider leaving their job because of untreated menopause symptoms [8] - Menopause is not just a women's health issue, but also an economic, societal, and leadership issue [14] Healthcare System & Solutions - Menopause is barely a footnote in medical education, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate care [12] - Women often face dismissive attitudes and inadequate treatment from healthcare providers [3][12] - Medical schools should make menopause education mandatory, business leaders should create supportive workplace policies, and policymakers should advocate for women's health [15]