The menopause market remains underdeveloped despite projections that it will impact over 1.2 billion women by 2030. Limited investment and innovation leave millions of women without effective solutions.
With only 7% of femtech companies focusing on menopause care, there is a solid opportunity to address women’s healthcare needs and capitalize on the ignored billon-dollar menopause market.
Femtech market surges, but menopause sector remains underfunded:
The femtech industry has expanded rapidly, growing from just 11 companies in 2006 to over 200 by 2021. This rapid growth reflects increased demand for tech-based solutions for women’s health.
Femtech addresses diverse health concerns, ranging from pregnancy and reproductive health to general medical care. Areas such as menstrual health, contraception, and sexual wellness receive considerable investments. However, menopause care continues to be overlooked, receiving only a small share of the overall market.
The share of femtech companies in each subsector (in percentage)
Source: FEMTECH Industry
Investment in menopause solutions accounts for merely 7% of femtech funding despite menopause impacting a large population segment. Limited investment and scattered offerings leave many women without adequate support and healthcare options. Addressing this market gap offers companies an opportunity to broaden their services while supporting women’s long-term health needs.
Challenges in the menopause sector need to be addressed:
The menopause market faces barriers that restrict investment and innovation. Addressing these issues is essential to improve care and create new opportunities for businesses.
Stigma and lack of public awareness
The Problem: Social stigma often discourages open discussions about menopause, causing many women to remain silent. Cultural taboos further deepen this silence, leading women to hesitate when considering professional support. As a result, limited dialogue prevents consumers from receiving treatments and information that could improve their well-being.
The Solution: Educational campaigns are important in normalizing discussions about menopause in the media and workplace. Employers have an opportunity to introduce supportive policies that recognize menopause and accommodate employee needs. Online communities and expert-guided conversations offer another valuable channel to provide accessible resources and practical guidance.
Limited investment in menopause solutions
The Problem: Menopause care attracts limited funding compared to other areas within femtech. Only 7% of femtech companies prioritize menopause, restricting innovation and diversity of available products. Investment firms predominantly led by men often underestimate the market value of menopause-focused solutions.
Major challenges in the femtech industry
Source: Statista
The Solution: Increasing awareness among investors can open new funding opportunities for menopause-related innovations. Venture capital firms should actively support startups led by women working on menopause solutions. Additionally, government grants and corporate investments could encourage further research and product development in this sector.
Lack of targeted marketing
The Problem: Most menopausal women rarely see advertisements specifically created to reflect their experiences or concerns. Brands often portray menopause as something affecting only women much older than the actual target demographic. Because of this outdated perspective, these brands fail to meaningfully connect with their intended audience.
"Menopause is often seen as a condition that only affects very old women. This is reflected in the way that it is often marketed, with images of elderly women being used. However, the average age of menopause is 51, and many women do not realize that they are going through menopause until they have been experiencing symptoms for an average of three years. This means that there is a significant opportunity for companies to reach women who are going through menopause by using more inclusive and accurate imagery and messaging"
The Solution: Brands can build stronger connections with menopausal women by embracing messaging and visuals that genuinely reflect their lives. Collaborations with relevant influencers and community groups could also expand the brand’s reach and credibility. Moreover, marketing that targets specific menopausal symptoms can heighten consumer understanding, leading to greater acceptance of related products.
Fragmented solutions for menopause symptoms
The Problem: Menopause can cause more than 34 symptoms, yet many products tackle just one symptom at a time. Women often face difficulties finding complete solutions that meet a wide range of needs simultaneously. Because of this fragmented approach, managing symptoms becomes complicated, frustrating, and expensive.
“Menopause has over 34 symptoms, but the industry is still creating point solutions for each symptom. We need to move towards a more holistic approach that addresses the whole woman.”
The Solution: Companies need holistic solutions that address a broader range of menopause symptoms within a single product offering. By combining dietary supplements with wearable devices and skincare products, brands can offer integrated support to manage symptoms comprehensively. Clinically validated solutions build consumer confidence, promoting long-term brand trust and loyalty.
Insufficient research and development
The Problem: Limited research slows down progress in menopause treatment, restricting the availability of effective therapies. Many pharmaceutical companies place greater emphasis on other areas of women’s health, leaving menopause less studied. Without adequate clinical research, advancements in non-hormonal menopause solutions remain stalled.
The Solution: Increased funding for research could promote the creation of treatments specifically targeting menopause management. Cooperation among universities, biotech firms, and femtech startups would encourage new ideas and faster results. Expanding clinical studies would ensure safer and more reliable menopause treatment options become available.
Limited product diversity in consumer goods
The Problem: Consumer products for menopause care remain scarce in mainstream markets. Many women rely on repurposed products not specifically designed for menopause symptoms. This gap restricts access to effective and convenient solutions.
The Solution: Retailers should expand menopause-specific product lines in major stores. Companies can develop clothing, skincare, and wellness items tailored for menopause-related needs. Functional foods and beverages can provide symptom relief through daily nutrition.
How can companies invest in the menopause sector?
With growing consumer awareness, the menopause market presents a substantial opportunity for companies willing to invest in innovation. Here, we have highlighted the key areas where companies can invest and innovate to establish their presence in the menopause sector.
Non-hormonal medication advancements
Non-hormonal drugs are gaining approval for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. These medications provide alternatives to traditional hormone therapy, appealing to those seeking safer options. Expanding research into non-hormonal treatments can improve accessibility for millions of women.
Smart wearables for symptom tracking
Wearable devices help monitor temperature changes, sleep patterns, and hormonal fluctuations. These tools offer real-time data, allowing users to personalize their symptom management. Improved connectivity with mobile apps enhances convenience and accessibility.
Temperature-regulating apparel
Innovative fabrics can help regulate body temperature for women experiencing hot flashes. These garments integrate cooling materials to offer relief during sudden temperature shifts. The development of stylish, functional designs increases adoption and usability.
Menopause-specific nutritional products
Nutritional supplements are being formulated to address menopause symptoms. Ingredients like phytoestrogens, omega-3s, and probiotics help support hormonal balance. Functional foods and beverages provide convenient ways to integrate these nutrients into daily diets.
Beauty and skincare
Skin health changes during menopause, leading to dryness and reduced elasticity. Skincare brands are developing products with hydrating and collagen-boosting ingredients. These solutions address common concerns while maintaining simplicity in daily routines.
Personalized digital health solutions
AI-powered applications provide customized insights based on individual symptom patterns. These platforms analyze health data to recommend tailored treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Integration with telehealth services enhances accessibility to expert guidance.
To explore more key areas of innovation in the menopause sector, download our complete report today.
Companies profit from investing in femtech start-ups:
Companies investing in femtech startups focused on menopause are gaining substantial profits and market traction. These strategic investments drive the overall growth of the menopause care sector.
Amyris Inc. – MenoLabs
Amyris Inc. made a strategic move by acquiring MenoLabs, known for its natural menopause supplements. MenoLabs markets products like MenoFit, generating consistent subscription-based revenues through its online channels. Following this acquisition, Amyris experienced growth in direct-to-consumer revenue, demonstrating the promising potential of menopause-focused natural supplements.
Alliance Pharma – Biogixs/Amberen
Alliance Pharma strategically expanded its presence in menopause care by acquiring Biogix, creators of the Amberen supplement. Amberen, recognized for alleviating multiple menopause symptoms, significantly boosted Alliance Pharma’s revenue, generating $26.5 million in its first full year post-acquisition. The growth rate indicates sustained potential for future market expansion in menopause-focused supplements.
Hologic, Inc. – Acessa Health Inc.
Hologic, Inc., known for medical imaging and diagnostics, acquired Acessa Health, specializing in minimally invasive solutions for uterine fibroids. The acquisition, valued at around $80 million, directly enhanced Hologic’s revenue, with a notable growth of 50% year-over-year following integration. The Acessa ProVu product exemplifies Hologic’s strengthened capacity to offer innovative treatments.
