Journalist and Menopause Advocate Tamsen Fadal on Menopause and Breaking the Stigma
November 19, 2024
Tamsen Fadal is an award-winning journalist, menopause advocate, and social media’s “midlife mentor.” After three decades of being a news anchor, Tamsen pivoted her career towards women’s health advocacy, guiding her audience of 3+ million through midlife and beyond. She is the producer and executive producer of the PBS documentary, The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, and the author of her new book, How To Menopause.

She serves as a best friend, guiding women through midlife and beyond, acting as a one-stop resource for everything they need to live their best lives. With a passionate and loyal social media audience of over 3 million, Tamsen leverages her decades of journalism experience to provide actionable tools from dozens of world-renowned experts on topics ranging from wellness to fashion, sharing this content daily and centering the stories of women.

Her candor and relatability have established her as a leading voice in the menopause space, with a strong social media following and regular appearances in media outlets including Oprah Daily, “The Today Show,” The New York Times, and The Harvard Business Review.

"This documentary has allowed women to share their menopause experiences, shedding light on the commonalities we share. This project reaffirmed my belief in the power of storytelling to connect and heal, showing that when we talk openly, we can change the narrative around menopause."

What has driven your focus on midlife and menopause?

My passion for supporting women in midlife and during menopause sparked from personal experience and the evident lack of comprehensive resources and open discussions about these phases. I am honored to use voice to illuminate these often-overlooked aspects of women’s lives, striving to bring them the attention and respect they deserve.

What have you learned from your work and recent documentary, The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause?

From "The M Factor, Shredding the Silence on Menopause," I've learned the incredible strength that comes from vulnerability. This documentary has allowed women to share their menopause experiences, shedding light on the commonalities we share. This project reaffirmed my belief in the power of storytelling to connect and heal, showing that when we talk openly, we can change the narrative around menopause.

You’ve had multiple career pivots; what have you learned along the way about pivoting?

Through my career pivoting from a news anchor of 30 years to a women’s health advocate and filmmaker, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability and staying true to one's core values. Embracing change rather than resisting it has allowed me to grow and find new ways to contribute meaningfully. Each pivot is an opportunity to learn and a reminder that our paths need not be linear to be fulfilling.

Do you have one secret to your success?

I think that consistency is key to feeling in balance. Whether it's in producing content, engaging with my audience, or advocating for women's health, showing up consistently and giving my best effort has been fundamental in building trust and achieving long-term goals.

Who is a woman you admire?

I greatly admire Maya Angelou for her profound wisdom and the eloquent way she used her words to inspire courage and hope. Her life’s work, in advocating for equality and expressing the complexities of human emotion, and she continues to influence and empower generations.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

I can't live without my morning routine! It sets the tone for my day, giving me a structured start while being able to have a little quiet time to reflect, plan, and give myself some self-care. This routine keeps me centered and ready to tackle whatever the day holds.

What is one big trend you’re excited about in 2024?

I am excited about the conversation around menopause in the workplace. I have been speaking to corporations and companies and look forward to continuing this conversation into 2025!

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