In the wake of the #MeToo movement, the cultural narrative around menopause is evolving, with an increasing number of films and ventures redefining what menopause means and how it is perceived. Menopause, clinically defined as a full year without a menstrual period, and perimenopause, the transitional years leading up to it, are being embraced by actresses who are lending their names and images to related initiatives.Naomi Watts, known for her role in the 2013 age-gap romance “Adore,” has founded Stripes Beauty, a company offering holistic solutions for menopause. Similarly, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop sells Madame Ovary, a supplement designed to ease hormonal changes. Halle Berry is also contributing to this shift with RESPIN, an online community focused on menopausal health.

The idea that “sex sells” is being extended to menopause, as these films and corporate ventures suggest that menopause can be seen as sexy. “We are finally uncoupling women’s sexuality from our fertility years,” said Shira Tarrant, a professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies. However, Tarrant acknowledges that this separation is not yet complete. Advances in reproductive technology have extended the fertile years for many women, with actresses like Nicole Kidman having children after 40.

Despite this progress, the portrayal of menopausal bodies on screen remains limited. Characters in recent films rarely mention hormonal changes or experience common symptoms like hot flashes. This new visibility is liberating but also restricted to those who are slim, conventionally attractive, and often white. In these portrayals, women can maintain their sex appeal at almost any age thanks to advances in dermatology and cosmetic surgery.

Occasionally, less-than-perfect bodies make it to the screen—such as Diane Keaton’s brief nude scene in the 2003 romantic comedy “Something’s Gotta Give” or Emma Thompson’s open robe in 2022’s “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande.” However, these instances are rare. The 2024 horror comedy “The Substance” explores this theme further by depicting Demi Moore’s character undergoing extreme measures to retain her youth and beauty.

As the cultural conversation around menopause continues to evolve, these portrayals play a crucial role in challenging traditional perceptions and promoting a more inclusive understanding of women’s experiences.