In 2026, conversations around perimenopause are finally moving into the mainstream. Tamsen Fadal, Denise Pines, and Joanne LaMarca Mathinsen push that shift forward with their documentary The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause. The film brings an informative perspective to perimenopause, the natural phase women experience leading up to menopause — a topic that still isn’t discussed enough in the medical world.
Viewers get a closer look into the realities of perimenopause with guidance from medical professionals in The (M) Factor 2. The documentary serves as a sequel to The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, which centers on menopause and the broader conversation surrounding it.
Mathinsen told The Knockturnal that the project represents hope for change for both younger and older generations.
Expressing her sentiment for the film, she said, “This has direct impact on the longevity and the health of women around the world.”
The executive producer continued, “The earlier we recognize the symptoms of perimenopause, the better off — and healthier — we are in the long run.”
The study of perimenopause and menopause goes beyond treating symptoms and extends into women’s overall quality of life. Mathinsen explained that when perimenopausal symptoms are treated, women are happier, able to maintain their jobs, relationships, and mental health.
Women of all ages are encouraged to prepare for perimenopause by staying active and building muscle. “The more you work out in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, and beyond, the better off and stronger you’ll be,” Mathinsen said. Maintaining this balance is especially important to help prevent hip fractures after age 50, which can shorten life expectancy by approximately 30 percent.
Cardiologist Dr. Jayne Morgan also shares her perspective in the documentary, telling The Knockturnal that women should begin preparing for perimenopause as early as possible. “We go through puberty and everybody talks about it — it’s beautiful, there’s this big blossoming,” she explained. “But then nobody talks about perimenopause and menopause. We should actually learn about it alongside puberty.”
While The (M) Factor 2 focuses on advocating for women’s perimenopausal health, Dr. Morgan emphasized the importance of self-advocacy. “If you think that you’re not being seen or heard, you can certainly change physicians — there’s nothing wrong with that,” she said, encouraging women to ask for specific tests and care.
It may come as a surprise to many viewers that physicians often receive little formal training on menopause. Dr. Morgan explained that this gap stems largely from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study, which linked certain hormone replacement therapies to increased health risks. The fallout from the study led to widespread hesitation around HRT and a decline in menopause-related medical education.
“We’re still at a point where you may actually know more than your doctor about it,” Dr. Morgan told The Knockturnal.
She hopes that women who watch The (M) Factor 2 gain a better understanding of their bodies and feel empowered to have open conversations about perimenopause.
The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause premieres March 19 on PBS.
