Our recent event, Perimenopause Around the Globe: A Dutch & UK Perspective, brought together a passionate audience for an in-depth discussion of how women experience perimenopause in the Netherlands and the UK. This cross-cultural exchange featured three prominent speakers: Suzanne Rethans, Tanja Jess, and Dr. Mandy Leonhardt, each providing valuable insights on perimenopause awareness, cultural perceptions, and healthcare responses in their respective countries.

Suzanne Rethans, a renowned Dutch writer and advocate, opened the event by highlighting the unique challenges faced by women in the Netherlands. She shared her journey and the lack of readily available information about perimenopause in Dutch culture, emphasizing the need for open conversations and greater educational resources. Suzanne encouraged the audience to push for transparency and a supportive community to help normalize discussions around hormonal changes.

Tanja Jess, a well-known actress and advocate from the Netherlands, shared her personal experiences and discussed the stigmas attached to perimenopause. Tanja’s story resonated deeply with attendees, as she articulated the importance of representation in the media to help dispel myths and normalize perimenopause. She also spoke about the need for healthcare providers to better support women by being well-informed about the physical and emotional impacts of perimenopause.

Dr. Mandy Leonhardt, a UK-based GP with a focus on women’s health, provided a clinical perspective, underscoring the systemic differences between the Dutch and UK healthcare systems in supporting women through perimenopause. Dr. Leonhardt discussed the various treatment options available in the UK, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle interventions, stressing the importance of personalized care. Her emphasis on educating healthcare providers and empowering patients was particularly impactful.

The discussion underscored how geography, healthcare systems, and cultural attitudes shape the perimenopause experience. Attendees left the event with a renewed sense of connection and empowerment, inspired by the diverse perspectives on approaching perimenopause openly and knowledgeably.

As conversations continue, this event has laid a strong foundation for promoting global awareness and collaboration in addressing perimenopause. Thank you to everyone who attended, and a special thanks to our inspiring speakers, Suzanne Rethans, Tanja Jess, and Dr. Mandy Leonhardt. We look forward to more enlightening discussions in the future.