In a powerful effort to spark open dialogue, Abbott recently hosted an intimate coffee roundtable titled “My Menopause. My Story. A New Chapter in My Life.” The gathering brought together medical experts and wellness advocates to shed light on one of the most overlooked yet life-defining stages in a woman’s life: menopause.

Moderated by broadcaster and journalist Helen Farmer, the discussion featured Dr. Khulood Alawadi, President of the Menopause Chapter at the Emirates Medical Association (EMA) and a leading authority in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and women’s hormonal health; Noor Jaber, Founder & CEO of NAWAT Health; and Garima Parasher, Menopause Coach and Positive Psychology Practitioner.

The panel explored menopause in all its dimensions – physical, emotional, and social – unpacking over 40 known symptoms and their profound impact on confidence, relationships, and careers. While 80–85% of women experience symptoms, studies reveal that many in the UAE never seek medical support due to stigma or lack of awareness.

“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.”

The company also underscored the role of digital innovation in improving women’s health. “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.”