America Ferrera’s “Barbie” monologue made one thing clear: women have to do a lot, and often do it alone. EverCalm is looking to change that for women going through menopause.
Being a woman means knowing that there are many physiological and external systemic battles to face, and while you are equipped to handle most of them on your own, sometimes you need help.
A 2022 UK survey of 2,000 menopausal women found that 75% of working women reported having problems with memory or concentration, and 69% said they felt anxious or depressed. Sadness, low self-esteem, lack of confidence – the list of worries is endless.
Plus, the lack of attention and funding for menopausal women’s health care will make you cringe. According to a 2024 McKinsey report, menopause is one of the most unmet needs in women’s health conditions. More than 450 million women worldwide suffer from symptoms of menopause and perimenopause (i.e. the pre-menopausal transition).
While there is a lot of discussion about menopause among entrepreneurs, funding is not commensurate with the need. This imbalance makes menopause-focused femtech startups more important and raises the question: Should women succumb to the inevitable reality of menopause, or can they make it better, easier, and less stressful?
EverCalm believes in the latter option: Developed by hypnotherapist Christine Deschemin of Hong Kong-based health tech company UpNow Health, the EverCalm Menopause Program offers some much-needed respite to women approaching menopause.
EverCalm: Addressing Menopause Symptoms with Hypnotherapy
Christine Deschman, developer of EverCalm, points out a significant oversight in healthcare: “Menopause has been viewed as a natural aging process, rather than a health condition that requires support and intervention. Furthermore, the diversity of menopausal symptoms and how they impact each woman’s life complicates the development of a standardized approach to treatment.” As a result, menopause is underrepresented in clinical practice.
Recognizing the lack of adequate resources for women going through menopause, and the strong evidence of the effectiveness of self-hypnosis relaxation, Deshman developed EverCalm to make women’s lives easier.
As the name suggests, EverCalm aims to provide a “cooler, calmer” menopause experience. Their app offers evidence-based programs to help women manage menopausal symptoms naturally, using self-hypnosis. These programs focus on relieving common issues like hot flashes and night sweats, and are designed to improve the quality of sleep.
Hypnotherapy is a mind-body therapy similar to mindfulness and guided imagery. You stay focused, enter a relaxed state, and follow the therapeutic suggestions. Studies have clinically proven that hypnotherapy can reduce hot flash frequency by up to 80%, making it one of the most effective non-hormonal hot flash management tools available, comparable to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
In developing the app, Deshman was inspired by her personal observations of loved ones struggling with menopause with limited support. She recalls:[It] “This app not only educates but empowers women to manage their symptoms with confidence and ease. EverCalm Menopause responds to the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based resource that addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of menopause.”
Main features of the app
The comprehensive EverCalm app is packed with tools, personalized resources, and support to help women effectively manage menopausal symptoms. Some of its features include:
1. Self-hypnosis session: Self-hypnosis sessions are at the core of EverCalm’s strategy for relieving menopausal symptoms. These sessions teach women how to use self-hypnosis techniques to reduce stress, improve sleep, and manage hot flashes. This approach highlights EverCalm’s dedication to holistic, non-invasive, evidence-based solutions to help you navigate menopause gracefully.
2. Tracking Tools: The app’s interface helps women track their progress and manage symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Based on the data, the app offers customized recommendations to help users reduce the frequency and severity of menopausal discomfort.
3. Educational content: Being informed is being empowered. EverCalm’s app is curated with educational blogs detailing menopause symptoms and personal experiences. This knowledge helps women better understand their symptoms, reduce anxiety, and take proactive steps to manage their condition.
Four. Access to the community: Recognising that going through menopause can feel isolating, EverCalm offers access to expert advice and support groups through its app, a feature that highlights the importance of community support and allows users to connect with others going through similar challenges.
It is important to deal with menopausal symptoms in the workplace
Managing menopause effectively not only impacts your personal health but also your professional life. A 2023 survey revealed that 13% of women faced various difficulties at work due to menopausal symptoms. They had to take time off work or reduce their working hours to deal with the symptoms. Moreover, they had to face serious consequences such as being fired or quitting their jobs. With a significant percentage of the workforce (e.g., 25% of the U.S. workforce) experiencing menopause, it is crucial for employers to foster a supportive environment.
More and more organizations are recognizing this need, with 15% now offering specific benefits to support women going through menopause, up from just 4% the previous year. Tools like EverCalm are a great option for employers looking to create a supportive work environment for women going through menopause. They help manage physical symptoms and support mental and emotional wellbeing, contributing to a more inclusive and productive environment.
EverCalm Empowers Change and Community Support
Deshman concludes, “We are continually working to improve and expand EverCalm Menopause to meet the changing needs of our users. We are working to expand our educational resources featuring expert insights on navigating menopause. We are also developing programs for employers to foster a menopause-friendly workplace.”
Ultimately, EverCalm wants to let women going through menopause know that they aren’t walking this journey alone, that they have an arsenal of tools and resources that are fully capable, and a supportive community rooting for them.
Header image courtesy of EverCalm
