Menopause is much more than a physical transition. It can affect how we feel, how we think, how we sleep, our relationships and our sense of who we are. Yet, for many women, the emotional and psychological impact of perimenopause and menopause remains poorly understood.
That is one of the reasons I am delighted to be involved in My Cinema Clinic: Menopause, an innovative documentary and live discussion project bringing evidence-based information, specialist knowledge and personal experiences of menopause to cinema audiences across the UK.
Bringing menopause into the spotlight
Menopause is increasingly part of public conversation, but there is still much work to do to ensure that women feel informed, listened to and supported throughout this stage of life.
My Cinema Clinic: Menopause combines a thought-provoking documentary with a live panel discussion featuring medical specialists and other professionals. The film explores the experiences of women from a range of backgrounds, alongside scientific research and different perspectives on menopause, perimenopause and post-menopause.
What particularly appeals to me about this initiative is its emphasis on making information accessible and creating opportunities for people to talk openly about their experiences. By bringing these conversations into local cinemas, the project offers a welcoming space in which audiences can learn, ask questions and connect with others.
Understanding the connection between menopause and mental health
As a psychiatrist with a particular interest in women's mental health, I am especially interested in the ways hormonal changes can intersect with psychological and psychiatric wellbeing.
For some women, the menopause transition can coincide with changes in mood, increased anxiety, difficulties with sleep, reduced concentration or a sense of not feeling quite like themselves. Others may find that existing mental health difficulties become more challenging during this period.
These experiences can be confusing, particularly when women have not previously been aware of the potential relationship between hormonal changes and mental health.
It is important to recognise that there is no single menopause experience. Every woman's circumstances, medical history and support needs are different. Symptoms should be taken seriously, and women should have the opportunity to explore what may be contributing to them and what support might help.
This also means looking beyond hormones alone. Our mental health is shaped by many intersecting factors, including physical health, relationships, work, caring responsibilities, previous experiences and wider life circumstances.
A thoughtful, individualised approach can help women make sense of what they are experiencing without dismissing their concerns or assuming that every difficulty is caused by menopause.
The importance of informed choices and individualised care
One of the key messages I hope people take away from My Cinema Clinic: Menopause is that women deserve clear, balanced information about the options available to them.
There is no universal solution that is right for everyone. Depending on an individual's symptoms and circumstances, support might involve lifestyle changes, psychological interventions, psychiatric support, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), non-hormonal treatments or a combination of approaches.
For women experiencing significant mental health symptoms, it is particularly important to consider the full clinical picture. Understanding the timing and nature of symptoms, previous mental health experiences and any other relevant health conditions can help inform decisions about treatment and support.
My role as a psychiatrist is to help people understand their experiences, explore the factors affecting their physical and mental health and consider appropriate, evidence-based options. Women should feel able to ask questions, discuss their concerns and participate in decisions about their care.
Why conversations like this matter
Menopause can sometimes leave women feeling isolated, especially when their experiences are misunderstood or minimised. Open conversations can help challenge stigma, improve understanding and make it easier for people to seek help when they need it.
I also believe it is essential that we listen to women's lived experiences. Clinical knowledge and research are important, but so is understanding how symptoms affect everyday life: the impact on confidence, relationships, work, family life and a person's sense of identity.
By bringing together a documentary, specialist perspectives and opportunities for audience discussion, My Cinema Clinic: Menopause aims to create space for these different experiences and viewpoints.
It is also an opportunity to recognise that menopause is not something women should have to navigate alone. Support can come from healthcare professionals, family and friends, workplace understanding and peer communities.
Supporting women's mental health at Somerville Clinic
At Somerville Clinic, we recognise that women's mental health needs can be complex and that hormonal factors may form an important part of the picture.
We take a personalised approach to assessment and care, recognising that mental health symptoms do not occur in isolation. Understanding an individual's history, circumstances and experiences is an important part of identifying appropriate support.
My involvement in My Cinema Clinic: Menopause reflects my wider interest in improving understanding of women's mental health and encouraging more open, informed conversations about the factors that affect psychological wellbeing.
I hope the project helps people feel better informed, more confident in asking for support and reassured that their experiences deserve to be heard.
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but that does not mean its challenges should be dismissed or endured without support. Every woman deserves the opportunity to understand her experience, access reliable information and make informed choices about her health.
My Cinema Clinic: Menopause begins its UK cinema screenings on 18 October 2026, World Menopause Day, with further screenings planned for March 2027. To find out more, visit My Cinema Clinic.
To learn more about our approach to women's mental health, visit Somerville Clinic.
By Dr Catherine Durkin, Consultant Psychiatrist at Somerville Clinic
