America Ferrera’s “Barbie” monologue made one thing clear: women have to do a lot—and quite often, alone. EverCalm is changing that for women experiencing menopause Self-hypnosis

To be a woman is to know that numerous physiological and external systemic battles await you. While you are equipped to deal with most of the baloney on your own, sometimes, you need support.

As per a 2022 survey of 2,000 menopausal women in the UK, 75% of working women reported problems with memory or concentration, and 69% felt anxious or depressed. Sadness, low self-esteem, poor self-confidence—the laundry list of concerns doesn’t end.

And if that wasn’t enough, the lack of attention and funding dedicated to menopausal women’s healthcare will make your eyes roll. According to a 2024 McKinsey report, menopause has one of the highest unmet needs among female health conditions. Globally, over 450 million women are navigating symptoms from menopause and perimenopause (i.e. the transitional period before menopause).

While conversations about the condition abound in entrepreneurial circles, the funding simply doesn’t match the need. This disparity makes the importance of FemTech startups dedicated to menopause, raising the question: Must women surrender to the inevitability of menopause, or can they make this experience better, easier and way less stressful?

EverCalm believes in the latter option. Developed by hypnotherapist Christine Deschemin under UpNow Health, a Hong Kong-based health tech company, the EverCalm Menopause program offers women experiencing menopause much-needed respite.

EverCalm: Using hypnotherapy to address menopause

Christine Deschemin, the creator behind EverCalm, points out a critical oversight in healthcare, “Menopause has traditionally been framed as a natural aging process rather than a health condition requiring support and intervention. Moreover, the variability of menopause symptoms and their impact on each woman’s life complicates the development of a standardized approach to treatment.” As a result, menopause has been inadequately represented in clinical practice.

Realizing the lack of adequate resources for women undergoing menopause, along with a strong body of evidence on the effectiveness of self-hypnosis for relief, Deschemin developed EverCalm to make women’s lives easier.

As the name suggests, EverCalm aims to provide a “cooler, calmer” menopause experience. Its app offers evidence-based programs that leverage self-hypnosis to help women naturally manage their menopause symptoms. These programs focus on relieving common issues such as hot flashes and night sweats and are also designed to improve sleep quality.

Hypnotherapy is a mind-body therapy similar to mindfulness and guided imagery. It involves maintaining focus, entering a relaxed state and following therapeutic suggestions. Research has clinically shown that hypnotherapy can reduce the frequency of hot flashes by up to 80%. This makes it one of the most effective non-hormonal hot flash management tools available, on par with hormonal replacement therapy (HRT).

While developing the app, Deschemin was inspired by personal observations of loved ones struggling through menopause with limited support. She reflects, “[It] fueled our dedication to develop an app that not only educates but empowers women to manage their symptoms with confidence and ease. EverCalm Menopause is our response to the need for a holistic, evidence-based resource that addresses the physical, emotional and mental facets of menopause.”

Women experiencing menopause Self-hypnosis

Key features of the app

The all-encompassing EverCalm app comprises tools, personalized resources and support to help women manage menopause symptoms effectively. Here are some of its features

1. Self-hypnosis sessions: Self-hypnosis sessions are the core of EverCalm’s strategy for easing menopause symptoms. These sessions guide women to use self-hypnosis techniques to reduce stress, enhance sleep and tackle hot flashes. This approach highlights EverCalm’s dedication to holistic, non-invasive and evidence-based solutions for navigating menopause with grace.

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 tailored recommendations to help users reduce the frequency and severity of menopausal discomforts.

3. Educational content: To be informed is to be empowered. EverCalm’s app has a round-up of educational blogs that detail menopausal symptoms and personal experiences. This knowledge can help women understand their symptoms better, reduce anxiety and take proactive steps in managing their conditions.

4. Access to community: Recognizing that menopause can feel isolating, EverCalm provides access to expert advice and support groups through its app. This feature emphasizes the importance of community support, allowing users to connect with others who are navigating similar challenges.

women experiencing menopause Self-hypnosis

Addressing menopause at work is crucial

Effectively managing menopause extends beyond personal health into professional life. A 2023 study revealed that 13% of women have encountered various work-related difficulties as a result of menopausal symptoms. They have had to miss work or cut back on hours to address their symptoms. Moreover, they have had to face severe consequences like layoffs or resignations. With a significant portion of the workforce experiencing menopause—for instance, 25% of the working population in the U.S.—it is crucial for employers to foster a supportive environment.

An increasing number of organizations recognize this need, with 15% now offering specific benefits to support women with menopausal symptoms, up from just 4% the previous year. Tools like EverCalm can be an outstanding option for employers aiming to foster a supportive workplace for women experiencing menopause. It helps manage physical symptoms and supports mental and emotional well-being, contributing to a more inclusive and productive environment.

EverCalm empowering change and community support

Deschemin concludes, “We are continuously working to improve and expand EverCalm Menopause to meet the evolving needs of our users. We are working on expanding educational resources featuring expert insights on navigating menopause. We are also developing programs aimed at employers to foster a menopause-friendly workplace.”

Ultimately, EverCalm wants to tell women experiencing menopause that they are not taking that journey alone; they have a well-oiled arsenal of tools and resources and a supportive community that is rooting for them.

Header Image courtesy of EverCalm