"The Next Chapter" features stories about menopause from women around the world. The book is available in four languages and each book was illustrated by a local woman artist. Click the image for more.

It's Time to Change the Conversation

With little information out there about menopause, what could be an exciting new chapter in a woman's life can feel challenging.

At Abbott, we believe good health is vital for everyone to be able to live their best lives. And the first step to a healthier life is knowledge and understanding.

From talking with women in India, China, Mexico and Brazil comes "The Next Chapter," a collection of first-person accounts of menopause, where both the hidden worries and surprising joys that can accompany this new stage of life are candidly shared.

“There were uneasy things about it, yes, such as being surrounded by young women on the brink of starting their lives. So much promise ahead of them while many of my experiences were behind me! That was unsettling, some days. But in a way, isn’t that beautiful too? I teach literature, so I feel there is poetry in all of this…the next chapter.” – Samaira, 60, New Delhi

While every woman and her menopause are unique, simply talking and learning about menopause can help women prepare for what’s coming. And, if they're prepared, they’re also ready to manage whatever symptoms may come.

“I feel like menopause is something only women who have gone through it can truly understand. Many in my group had depression, some much worse than I did. We would share our methods of coping and sometimes just have a good old rant. Their support got me through.” - Riya, 60, Kolkata

Menopause shouldn't prevent women from living their fullest lives. Women can continue to live healthy lives before, during and after menopause.

We're working hand-in-hand with healthcare professionals to change how they support women going through this stage of life. We're helping physicians, doctors and nurses understand menopause better, so they can offer the best care. We're also sharing resources to ensure women have easily accessible information on menopause to take charge of their own health.

“I finally met this amazing doctor, the gentlest human being, who specializes in hormones. He explained that when your body is not getting enough estrogen, it stores fat in an attempt to make more of the hormone.” Aditi, 48, Mumbai, India

We need to start normalizing the conversation around menopause so that each and every woman can fully embrace this chapter in their lives.

It's essential to empower women around the world by giving them the space to take back control of their health and share their own lived experiences of menopause.“We’ve built deep compatibility over the decades and menopause has only strengthened our relationship.” Aarushi, 49, Mumbai, India