Here’s why menopause (and perimenopause) isn’t an ending – it’s a new beginning for women
Menopause isn’t the end – it’s a new beginning.
In this powerful episode of ConnectForHealth, a Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa initiative in partnership with mentl, host Scott Armstrong (Founder of mentl) and co-host Maissa Al Khafajy (Head of Government Affairs & Strategic Communications, Cigna Healthcare) sit down with two trailblazers transforming how we understand menopause.
Dr. Fiona Rennie, Family Medicine Consultant with a special interest in Women’s Health & Menopause at Genesis Healthcare Center (@menopause_doc_dubai on instagram)
Donna Howarth, Founder & CEO of the Middle East Menopause Organisation (MEMO)
Together, they unpack the myths, the science, and the emotional realities of menopause – from the medical to the personal, and even the professional.
💬 Topics include:
Why menopause is not the end – but the start of a powerful new phase of life
The connection between hormones, mental health, and confidence
How workplaces can better support women in midlife
The role of partners and male allies – and how understanding can transform relationships
Real strategies for energy, sleep, balance, and vitality
🎧 With World Menopause Day on October 18, this episode shines a light on a topic that deserves open, informed conversation – for women, their partners and families, and their employers.
📍 Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction
2:14 – Menopause as a new beginning (Dr. Fiona Rennie)
5:13 – Donna’s journey and founding MEMO
10:34 – Misdiagnosis and the hidden toll of menopause
18:00 – Mental health, relationships, and “meno-divorce”
28:45 – How men can be allies and support better communication
37:00 – Building workplace support and retaining female talent
48:30 – Lifestyle, exercise, and self-care for long-term health
55:00 – Closing reflections and World Menopause Day message
📌 ConnectForHealth is a podcast and live webinar series from Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa in partnership mentl, helping you thrive through every stage of life.
#ConnectForHealth #CignaHealthcare #mentl #WorldMenopauseDay #MenopauseAwareness #WomensHealth #MidlifeWellbeing #WorkplaceWellness
