New perimenopause documentary comes to Adelaide alongside a Q&A with women’s health professionals

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Image still: The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause

A new documentary exploring the often-overlooked realities of perimenopause is coming to Adelaide this November, with a special cinema screening followed by a live discussion featuring three women’s health professionals.

The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause will screen at Wallis Piccadilly Cinemas in North Adelaide on Wednesday 4 November, offering audiences an opportunity to learn more about the years leading up to menopause and how they can affect women’s health, careers and everyday lives.

The film follows real women from a range of professions, including teachers, firefighters and doctors, examining how a lack of awareness, stigma and silence surrounding perimenopause can affect their wellbeing, confidence and professional lives.

Rather than focusing solely on menopause itself, the documentary explores why understanding the earlier stages of hormonal change matters, particularly when symptoms may emerge years before menopause.

The Adelaide screening is being presented by Empower Menopause & Aesthetics (EMA), a South Australian nurse-led menopause clinic founded by registered nurse and menopause consultant Melissa Howcroft.

With more than 20 years of healthcare experience, Melissa is personally funding the screening to help make information about perimenopause more accessible to local women.

Her aim is to encourage conversations about hormonal health before women reach menopause, providing an opportunity to recognise potential symptoms, ask questions and better understand the support available.

Following the documentary, guests will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of three local women’s health professionals.

The panel will feature Dr Fariba Willson, a gynaecologist from FBW Gynaecology Plus; Nawal Church, a pelvic health physiotherapist from Pelvic Plus; and Melissa Howcroft, registered nurse, menopause consultant and founder of EMA.

Together, they will discuss perimenopause from different areas of women’s healthcare, with the live Q&A providing an opportunity for audience members to raise questions and hear directly from the specialists.

For those who have experienced unexplained changes in their health, or simply want to understand what the transition towards menopause may involve, the evening offers a chance to explore a subject that has historically received limited public attention.

There’s also a special giveaway for Glam Adelaide readers, with the first three ticket purchasers through the promotion each receiving a complimentary LED light therapy mask valued at $195.

Tickets are $22 plus booking fee, with the screening commencing at 6.30pm.