This September marks Perimenopause Awareness Month, sparked by a groundbreaking partnership between the National Menopause Foundation (NMF) and Perry. Fifteen states – including Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Wyoming, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Arkansas and West Virginia – have issued proclamations to elevate visibility and ignite conversation around perimenopause. 
Why does this matter so deeply? Perimenopause – the phase leading up to menopause, which can begin seven to ten years before your periods completely stop – affects approximately 1.3 million women each year in the U.S. alone. Yet, for many, this transition remains invisible, unsupported, and even misunderstood.
Across September, you’ll find a wealth of educational programs, virtual events, and community gatherings – all available via perimenopauseawareness.com. These include a nation-wide Speaker Series, such as the groundbreaking September 4th discussion on how past trauma might resurface during perimenopause and how to approach this with healing and compassionate support.
Then comes October – World Menopause Month, with World Menopause Day falling on October 18th. Established by the International Menopause Society (IMS), this month-long observance offers global opportunities to raise awareness, foster support, and promote policies and resources that serve women in midlife and beyond. Each year, IMS sets a theme to guide our collective focus. The theme for World Menopause Day 2025 is Lifestyle Medicine.
Why These Observances Matter – Especially for Women of Color
- Validation & Visibility: These observance periods acknowledge that perimenopause and menopause are pivotal, meaningful transitions – not just medical milestones. For women of color, who often face added disparities in healthcare access and diagnosis, this validation is crucial.
- Education & Empowerment: Whether it’s understanding fluctuating hormones, recognizing mood shifts, managing brain fog or sleep disturbances, or exploring options for care – this is your moment to learn, ask questions, and feel seen.
- Connection & Community: Sharing our stories, in our own voices, fosters genuine support. Community-based events and personal narratives help us move from isolation to solidarity.
- Holistic Support & Resources: From trauma-informed talks to culturally sensitive wellness strategies found on Menopause Made Modern – these months bring a flourish of tools, insights, and events to support your unique journey.
This is more than health awareness and education – it’s an affirmation. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, progressing into post-menopause, or supporting someone you care about, this joint observance of awareness months is here to affirm: you are seen, your experiences are valid, and your voice matters.
September 2025