Menopause shapes the lives of millions of women, yet menopause representation in film remains almost nonexistent. Today, the Geena Davis Institute releases Missing in Action: Writing a New Narrative for Women in Midlife on the Big Screen, the first comprehensive study examining how menopause and aging appear in top-grossing movies from 2009–2024.
The results confirm what many audiences have long felt: menopause is rarely shown, and when it is, it’s usually portrayed as a joke. Out of 225 films featuring a woman 40 or older in a leading role, only 6% mentioned menopause at all. These references were brief, shallow, or used for humor—far from the lived reality of midlife women.
This new study pairs 16 years of film analysis with a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults, revealing that audiences want more accurate and meaningful portrayals. Two in three respondents said realistic menopause stories matter, and young viewers—especially women under 40 and people of color—are the most likely to say TV and movies shaped their first understanding of menopause.
What the Findings Reveal About
Menopause Representation
Across the film landscape, several clear patterns emerged:
Menopause rarely appears on screen.
Only 14 films referenced menopause, and most turned it into a punchline rather than a meaningful storyline.
Accurate portrayals are nearly absent.
Hot flashes, symptoms, and treatments are often exaggerated or medically inaccurate.
Midlife women are defined by aging, not agency.
Female characters over 40 were twice as likely as men to be portrayed through narratives about physical aging or cosmetic procedures.
The “meno-rage” stereotype persists.
Many portrayals reinforce outdated tropes linking menopause with irrationality or emotional instability.
Audiences want change.
Survey respondents overwhelmingly said realistic, positive, and educational portrayals are important.
There are rare bright spots—moments where comedy builds community or where characters discuss their symptoms openly—but they stand out precisely because they’re exceptions.
Why Menopause Representation Matters
Stories shape understanding. When a life stage as universal as menopause is erased or mocked, it reinforces the idea that women are less visible, less desirable, or less relevant after 40.
Strong menopause representation can help normalize conversations around aging, reduce stigma, spark empathy, and give audiences—especially younger ones—a more truthful picture of the midlife experience.
Authentic stories don’t just shift culture; they expand it. And for the entertainment industry, telling richer midlife narratives is both an artistic opportunity and a business one.
About the Research
The study examines:
- 100 top-grossing films per year from 2009–2024
- 225 films with a lead or co-lead woman age 40+
- 3,279 characters over 40
- A nationally representative survey of 750 adults
- A medical review of selected scenes by menopause expert Dr. Nanette Santoro
This work provides the clearest picture to date of how mainstream movies handle menopause—what’s missing, what’s misrepresented, and what needs to change.
Acknowledgment
This research was generously funded by Procter & Gamble, whose support reflects a growing commitment to elevating women’s health, improving visibility, and reshaping cultural narratives around menopause and midlife.