What is World Menopause Day?
World Menopause Day is a global awareness event created by the International Menopause Society (IMS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Its purpose is to shine a light on menopause, to encourage open discussions about women’s health and to educate both the public and healthcare professionals on how to better support women through this natural transition.
Each year, World Menopause Day focuses on a different theme, from cardiovascular and brain health to mental wellbeing, to highlight the many aspects of health that can be influenced by menopause.
Around the world, the day is marked through community events, webinars, educational initiatives, and media campaigns, all designed to empower women with knowledge and practical tools for navigating this stage of life with confidence.
At its heart, World Menopause Day is a reminder that menopause is not a medical problem, but a normal life stage.
By talking openly about it and ensuring women have access to the right information and support, from lifestyle approaches to medical options like hormone therapy, we can help make this time one of renewal, resilience, and wellbeing.
When is World Menopause Day?
World Menopause Day is celebrated each year on October 18, bringing global attention to menopause, perimenopause, and healthy ageing in women.
First established in 1996 by the International Menopause Society (IMS), the day aims to educate and inform, not only women experiencing menopause, but also the healthcare professionals, families, and communities who support them.
Across the world, the day is marked with community events, awareness campaigns, webinars, and online resources that explore topics such as hormonal changes, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle habits, and practical ways to manage health through midlife and beyond.
By observing World Menopause Day, we help create space for open, informed conversations, replacing silence and stigma with understanding and support. It’s an opportunity to empower women with knowledge, so they can make confident, informed decisions about their health and embrace this natural life stage with balance and optimism.
How to celebrate World Menopause Day?
Celebrate World Menopause Day by raising awareness, sharing information, and supporting those experiencing menopause.
Individually and In the Community
World Menopause Day is a wonderful opportunity to learn, share, and support, whether that means starting small within your own circle or helping raise awareness in your community.
You can begin by sharing credible educational resources, such as fact sheets or social media posts from trusted organisations, to help spread accurate information about menopause and perimenopause.
Open conversations with family, friends, and colleagues can also make a huge difference, breaking down myths and encouraging more understanding of what women experience during this stage of life.
It’s also a time to focus on your own wellbeing and self-care. This might include making healthy lifestyle choices, nourishing your body with a balanced diet, keeping active, prioritising sleep, and looking after your mental health.
Taking time to learn from credible sources, such as the International Menopause Society’s White Paper, can help you feel more informed and confident about your health during midlife and beyond.
In the Workplace
Menopause awareness in the workplace is an important part of creating supportive and inclusive environments where women feel valued and understood.
Organisations can take part by hosting information sessions, webinars, or presentations that explore topics such as menopause, hormone therapy, and lifestyle or plant-based support options. Providing educational materials, like e-learning modules or short internal videos, can help ensure employees at all levels are informed.
Employers can also advocate for flexible and compassionate workplace policies, such as adaptable hours or access to quiet rest spaces. Importantly, these conversations should involve everyone, including men, to help build a culture of understanding, respect, and inclusivity, where women’s health at every life stage is openly supported.