Trends and future predictions for the menopause sector in 2023

There were many significant moments in the menopause sector in 2022. Let’s hope the hype around this challenging time doesn’t wavier as UK ministers have rejected a major ‘menopause leave’ trial.

Dr Shahzadi Harper,  menopause specialist and founder of the Harper Clinic in Harley Street, reflects on the three key developments and conversations around menopause as well as sharing her insights into the growth and future of the sector.

In 2022, menopause seemed to be a “buzz word” and we saw many brands and government organisations engaging in the conversation/movement and need to prioritise women’s health and wellbeing as they reach a certain age.

Over the past year we have seen a sharp rise in brand’s trying to capitalise on the menopause sector.

We will see a further flurry of nutrient and women’s wellness products coming to market to cater to over 17 million women suffering permenopausal and menopause symptoms.

Consequently, I predict these formulations will become further targeted to symptoms and instead of offering ‘one product’, brands will begin to develop and launch dedicated ranges.

As positive as this will be, there will be companies who are simply trying to jump on the bandwagon and the degree of quality and effectiveness will greatly differ. There will be much more choice on offer, and it will become expected for any nutrient and women’s wellness brand to offer these products.

As there will be many more products in the market, we will see much more aggressive PR and marketing campaigns and tactics around as brands seek to stand out and differentiate themselves from the crowd.

New gen menopause fashion

Manufacturers and brands are beginning to pay much closer attention to menopause clothing as the industry looks ahead and identifies the long term and needs/wants of women.

The future of innovative fashion is femtech and we will slowly start seeing more talk around innovative solutions that are deemed ‘menopause friendly’, such as, 100 per cent breathable fabrics that help with hot flushes and even to helping cool down the skin.

Investment will be made to design these specialist ranges with it aligning similarly with how high-end sports tech brands utilise lightweight technology and advancements in materials to appeal to their target market.

This new generation of clothing is in its infancy still, but many brands will not be able to ignore the growing demand and need for further development. I wouldn’t surprised if we see a major UK retailer announce a dedicated clothing range this year.

In addition, menopause care in the form of devices to help assess and track symptoms is in more advanced stages and there are a couple of specialist manufacturers/patented brands emerging.

Bracelets and watches are starting to emerge that are fashion-forward in look and the benefits include immediate relief from hot flushes and night sweats, so forth.

I predict this year we will see more focus groups to examine and explore solutions in this space, as to date perimenopause and menopause have been greatly under-researched.

Menopause and the workplace

Workplaces and employers are now really starting to pay attention to their policies on menopause in the workplace.

The NHS recently gave the green light to guidance on menopause at work, but it should be noted, although a step in the right direction, this is only guidance.

Guidance is not policy and even though the right things are being said, action needs to be made to help the millions of women suffering from uncomfortable symptoms.

Policy needs to be put into action and I predict this is the year many women will have more confidence to tell their employer how they are feeling. The community and movement is continuing to thrive and women are supporting each other more than ever.

Understanding the impact of menopause and its symptoms is important for all workplaces – structures and frameworks should be put into place to support women’s during this stage of their life both physical and psychological.

Leave granted for women to be able to understand what’s going on in their mind and body’s is important. I believe women need some space to process this change that is going on but also there should be a framework in place to help them seek help, education and a return to work that does not put pressure on.

If women know there is something like this in place, they are more likely to remain on the workplace and be more efficient.

 

Dr Shahzadi Harper is a menopause specialist, GP and founder of the Harper Clinic.