Abbott hosted an intimate coffee roundtable titled “My Menopause. My Story. A new chapter in my life.” bringing together medical experts, wellness advocates, and media voices to spark open dialogue around one of the most overlooked yet life-defining stages in a woman’s life: menopause. Moderated by Helen Farmer, the discussion featured Dr. Khulood Alawadi, President of the Menopause Chapter at the Emirates Medical Association (EMA) and a leading voice in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and women’s hormonal health alongside Noor Jaber, Founder & CEO of NAWAT Health and Garima Parasher, Menopause Coach and Positive Psychology Practitioner.
The panelists unpacked the physical, emotional, and social realities of menopause, from over 40 known symptoms to its deep impact on confidence, relationships, and careers. While 80-85% of women experience symptoms, studies reveal that many in the UAE never seek support due to stigma or lack of awareness.
“Like so many women in their forties, I’m starting to think about what’s next for my body and health,” said Helen Farmer, who shared her personal reflections as both a moderator and woman approaching midlife. “We need more spaces like this, where honesty and support replace negative perceptions and misconceptions because that’s where the real strength lies.”
“Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet so many women experience it in isolation as a result of negative perceptions and lack of awareness,” added Dr. Khulood Alawadi. “The physical and emotional changes – from hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood shifts and even bone health concerns – can feel overwhelming. But with the right medical support they are treatable and manageable.”
“In Arabic, the most common term for menopause is “age of despair” and that speaks volumes about how this stage of life has been misunderstood” noted Noor Jaber. “At Nawat Health, we aim to bridge these gaps by providing evidence-based information, connecting women with trusted specialists, and fostering open conversations.”
“Most people think of menopause as a purely physical transition but it’s also an emotional and psychological journey—a recalibration of identity, energy, and priorities.” said Garima Parasher. “What many don’t realize is that this stage can unlock hidden potential: women often report heightened clarity, resilience, and creativity once they begin to understand and manage their symptoms.”
Abbott reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women through education, access, and innovation. “Menopause can be a challenging chapter—physically, mentally, and emotionally. At Abbott, as part of our broader commitment to help people live fuller lives, we support women through every stage of life,” says Nadine Bou Aoun, Abbott’s Medical Affairs Director, Gulf and Emerging Markets. “By raising awareness and providing trusted resources, we aim to empower women to better manage the impact of this transition on their overall well-being.”
The company also spotlighted digital innovation as a key enabler. “At Abbott, we are proud to drive innovation by celebrating local start-up initiatives, for example, through our Innovate4Health Challenge, won this year by Nawat Health” says Mazen Bachir, divisional vice president of Abbott’s medicines business in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. “This reflects our commitment to empowering women with the knowledge and tools to navigate every stage of life with confidence.”
