Menopause and Intersectionality: How Different Backgrounds Shape the Menopause Experience

Menopause is more than a biological change, it’s a life stage that can feel very different depending on someone’s background, culture, or access to healthcare. At The Speakers Agency, we know that every woman’s experience of menopause is personal. That’s why we believe it’s so important to include a range of voices and perspectives when we talk about menopause and how to support it. In this blog, we look at how menopause can vary for different groups, why intersectionality matters, and how expert menopause speakers are helping to drive these important conversations.

Menopause doesn’t happen in the same way for everyone. Cultural background, ethnicity, and social circumstances can all shape how women experience symptoms, talk about them, and get support. In some communities, menopause may still be a taboo subject, while in others, healthcare services may not fully understand or meet women’s needs.

Women’s challenges often go beyond physical symptoms. Many experience emotional strain or feel isolated, and those feelings can be made worse depending on their personal situation. By recognising these differences, we can start to build support that feels relevant and helpful to all women, not just a few.

Intersectionality is the idea that different parts of a person’s identity, like race, class, or gender, overlap and affect how they experience the world. In menopause care, this means that someone’s background can change how they experience symptoms, how they’re treated, or whether they feel heard by healthcare professionals.

A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work. If we want menopause care to be truly inclusive, we need to look at the bigger picture. That includes understanding the barriers some women face and making sure that care, support, and education are shaped by those experiences.

Some fantastic speakers are already leading the way in opening more inclusive menopause discussions. Dr. Nighat Arif is one of them. A GP and women’s health expert, she regularly speaks about how culture and background can impact the menopause journey. She brings clarity and compassion to a topic that’s often overlooked, particularly for women from minority communities.

Another powerful voice in this space is Nina Kuypers, who speaks openly about her personal experience and the importance of better representation. Both Nina and Dr. Nighat help challenge outdated assumptions and encourage workplaces and event organisers to think more broadly about menopause support.

If you’re an employer, event planner or someone working in healthcare or HR, there are simple but effective ways to make menopause support more inclusive:

• Run awareness sessions – Workshops or talks can help open up the conversation and break down stigma.
• Adapt your policies – Different women need different things. Think about flexibility and support options that reflect this.
• Be flexible – Whether it’s working hours or environment, small changes can make a big difference.
• Create safe spaces to talk – Encourage open, honest conversations in the workplace.
• Bring in the experts – Hearing from someone with lived experience or professional insight can shift mindsets and spark real change.

Bringing in an expert speaker can be a great first step in supporting your team or audience. These speakers don’t just talk about symptoms; they explore the real-life impact of menopause through different lenses. They help organisations think differently and provide tools to better support women from all walks of life.

By booking a speaker who understands menopause intersectionality, you’re showing your commitment to doing more than ticking a box, you’re helping create a genuinely supportive environment for everyone.

At The Speakers Agency, we connect clients with menopause speakers who are knowledgeable, relatable, and passionate about driving change. If you’re planning an event, looking to update your internal policies, or just want to do more to support the women in your organisation, we’d love to help.

Book a menopause speaker to lead the conversation on inclusivity and make a real difference in how menopause is understood and supported.