A myth-shattering feature documentary about peri/menopause and the creative process seen through the lens of defiant Gen-X musicians and medical pract.
Twenty-three years ago, intentionally skewed results from the billion dollar Women’s Health Initiative study falsely linked the use of hormone replacement therapy to an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Headlines erupted. Prescriptions of HRT stopped, and an industry built on exploiting the suffering of people with ovaries exploded, leaving entire generations stripped of choice, silenced in their symptoms, and denied access to the very gender affirming care that could have relieved their suffering during perimenopause and menopause.
This film is our reckoning.
Menopunks is a bold, unapologetic documentary that exposes the truth behind the science and the silence. Backed by a fierce lineup of iconic Portland musicians, hormonally radicalized medical practitioners, and celebrity powerhouses, we’re cranking up the volume on a conversation long overdue. Menopunks isn’t just about hormones - it’s about power, autonomy, and the right to thrive through midlife and beyond. MENOPUNKS will debunk decades of confusion about HRT by exposing the sordid manipulation that occurred when the results in question were initially released to the press in 2003. Solving the mystery of “why” women were subjected to 23 years of Quality of Life destroying disinformation.
Featuring intimate portraits of five Portland based OG punk and Riot Grrrl MENOPUNKS navigating midlife, and candid conversations with director Alicia J. Rose about their experiences with peri\menopause and the creative process. All at different stages or peri/menopause our cast of MENOPUNKS will engage in the process of hormonal optimization with our participant doctors and share their vulnerable experiences on camera showing in real time how free access and accurate information about HRT along with proper mid-life care can be transformative for all people with ovaries.
Confirmed Participants: Corin Tucker (Sleater Kinney), Jody Bleyle (Team Dresch, Hazel), Kathy Foster (The Thermals, Roseblood), Gilly Ann Hanner (Calamity Jane, Desir) Jen Sbragia (The Softies, All Girl Summer Fun Band), and menopause specialists Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, Dr. Andrea Matsumura and Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley. Roster of Celebrity Menopunk commentators and medical experts in the works.
Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney) - Participant
Gilly Ann Hanner (Calamity Jane) - Participant
Jen Sbragia (The Softies/All Girl Summer Fun Band)- Participant
Jody Bleyle (Team Dresch/Hazel) - Participant
Kathy Foster (The Thermals/Roseblood)
