The Menopause Mirage: More Hype, No Real Choice
Menopause is finally having its moment. In recent years, it’s become a trending topic in women’s health, with public figures sharing their experiences and media outlets championing conversations about symptoms and solutions. The noise around menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) has grown louder than ever, and while MHT is a critical option, it’s not the only one—and it’s certainly not right for every woman.
For some, MHT can be life-changing, easing symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. But it’s not a universal solution. Many women are medically ineligible due to a history of breast cancer or other health risks. In the United States, 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, 1 in 9 will undergo an oophorectomy—removal of one or both ovaries, often due to cancer and 1 in 4 will experience induced menopause
And yet, despite the growing awareness of menopause, effective, clinically validated natural non-hormonal treatments remain scarce. The industry continues to prioritize MHT over innovative, evidence-based solutions - leaving non-hormonal drug innovation virtually unfunded.
What’s more, from countless personal conversations, I know that many women are being prescribed MHT without fully understanding that it may require long-term use. Hormonal therapy is not always a short-term fix—it often needs to be maintained indefinitely.
This overreliance on MHT is made worse by a glaring gap in innovation.
What’s been disheartening this past week is seeing that none of Australia’s MRFF 2024 Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, and Menopause Grant funding was allocated to drug innovation for menopause. On the surface, Australia appears progressive with initiatives like this. But the reality is that without funding for new, evidence-based treatments, these announcements are little more than PR exercises.
Even now, with menopause finally gaining attention, the lack of funding for drug innovation keeps us in the same place:
Symptom-tracking and data apps receive millions in funding, while targeted treatments remain neglected.
Women seeking effective non-hormonal options face a void—or are prescribed MHT without understanding they may need to remain on it indefinitely.
Clinical trials for botanical, evidence-based therapies like ours struggle for funding, despite showing immense potential. The recent MRFF grant could have accelerated this progress—yet not a single dollar was directed toward drug innovation for menopause. It’s a missed opportunity for real change.
Without innovation, women’s health stagnates—and women pay the price in lost years of vitality, productivity, and quality of life.
Women’s health doesn’t need more headlines—it needs action. It’s time for governments and investors alike to prioritize funding for non-hormonal menopause treatments. Women deserve more than one-size-fits-all solutions—they deserve real choice.