Design + Menopause (Season 5, Episode 5a)

By: Janet Roche & Carolyn Robbins

• Hosted By: Janet Roche
  
• Edited by: Jessica Hunt
  
• Guests: Lisa Scully; Nathalie Bonafe; Erika Eitland
  
• Stock Image: Designed by Freepik

Design + Menopause
(Season 5, Episode 5a)

Menopause is no longer a taboo topic! Join ‘Inclusive Designers Podcast’ in a special episode on ‘Design + Menopause’ that breaks the silence on what menopause is, how it impacts women in the workplace, and what designers can do to create supportive environments!

Our expert panel includes: Menopause Educator Lisa Scully, Women’s Health Advocate Dr. Nathalie Bonafe, and Dr. Erika Eitland from Perkins&Will. Together, we discuss the stages of menopause and offer actionable design solutions.

Through personal stories and professional insights, our guests provide valuable perspectives on fostering a workplace that supports women through every stage of menopause. Tune in for a conversation that’s both informative and empowering.

Panel:

Lisa Scully– is an official Brand Licensed partner with the award-winning ‘Menopause Experts Group’ (MEG). She provides organizations and individuals with up-to-date scientifically based and medically backed information. She is also the Civic Mission Project Manager at Wrexham University,

Quote: “My mission is to demystify menopause, providing support, guidance, and evidence-based information to individuals experiencing this phase of life.”

Nathalie Bonefe, PhD –  is a molecular biologist with 25 years of biomedical research experience, who now advocates for women’s health from midlife on. In her private practice, she educates and coaches women through peri-menopause, menopause, and beyond.

Quote: “Menopause is a transition, not a disease, and post-menopause lasts for the rest of a woman’s life!”

Erika Eitland, ScD, MPH – is a Public Health Scientist and the Co-Director of the Human Experience Lab at Perkins&Will. She received a doctorate in Environmental Healthfrom the Harvard Chan School of Public Health and a Master of Public Health in Climate and Health from Columbia University.

Quote: “… the more we talk about it, we de-stigmatize it. The more we talk about it, we acknowledge that this is a lived experience that every single woman goes through for a huge part of their life.”

Note:

Menopause Cafes– can be a great resource for those suffering with symptoms! We briefly touched upon their existence in this discussion and felt it was important enough to create a separate episode where we share more on what they can do, and how to find one if you or someone you know needs help or support going through these life stages.

– Definitions: 

– Menopause Stages: Perimenopause; Menopause; Postmenopause

– Symptoms of Menopause may include: Depression; Anxiety; Panic Attacks; Brain fog; Hot Flashes; Night Sweats; Anger/Mood Swings

– References: 

• Menopause Cafe Connecticut
• Menopause Experts Group
• Perkins&Will
• Trauma-informed Design Society