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Why We Started the Chicago Menopause Collective
- Jill Foos
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Why We Started the Chicago Menopause Collective
The idea for the Chicago Menopause Collective started with conversations.
Jill was hearing the same concerns from women in her coaching practice. Dana was hearing many of those same concerns from patients.
Women told us they were exhausted, not sleeping well, struggling with brain fog, gaining weight, feeling anxious, or dealing with symptoms they couldn't explain. Some wondered if menopause could be the reason. Others didn't realize menopause could affect so many parts of their health.
Many women told us they weren't sure where to go for answers.
Some had spoken with healthcare providers but still felt confused. Others hadn't brought it up at all because they thought what they were experiencing was just part of getting older.
We were hearing similar concerns from healthcare professionals as well. Menopause has not always been a major focus of medical education, and many providers have sought out additional training to better support women during this stage of life.
After years of having these conversations, one thing became clear, women needed easier access to reliable menopause information and local experts who understand this stage of life.
What's Missing for Women in Chicago?
Chicago has excellent doctors, researchers, physical therapists, mental health professionals, dietitians, health coaches, and other specialists who work with midlife women.
Many women don’t know where to find the right doctor to help them. They don't know what questions to ask, or how to advocate for themselves when it comes to navigating menopause.
A woman searching for answers about hot flashes, sleep problems, low libido, bone health, weight changes, mood changes, or hormone therapy has no idea where to start.
If this sounds like you, this is why we wanted one place where women could start. A place to find local experts, learn from current research, and get answers without spending hours searching online or wasting time or money.
Illinois has begun to recognize menopause as a public health issue, prompting policy changes to address the need for education, research, and workplace support.
A woman may be searching for answers about hot flashes, sleep problems, low libido, bone health, weight changes, mood changes, or hormone therapy and have no idea where to start.
We hear questions like:
"Do I need to see my gynecologist or an endocrinologist?"
"Is this menopause or something else?"
"How do I find someone who specializes in menopause?"
"Why didn't anyone tell me this could happen?"
If this sounds like you, this why we wanted one place where women could start. A place to find local experts, learn from current research, and get answers without spending hours searching online.
Why a Nonprofit?
We wanted education to be accessible.
The Chicago Menopause Collective is not tied to a particular treatment, product, or healthcare system.
Our mission is to connect midlife women with local menopause care experts, physicians, researchers, trusted resources, and science-based education so they can make informed decisions about their health.
Why Now?
A few years ago, it was hard to find menopause being discussed outside of a doctor's office or a conversation with a close friend. Today, women are asking more questions, sharing more experiences, and expecting better support.
At the same time, many women still spend years trying to figure out why they don't feel like themselves.
Illinois is also beginning to recognize menopause as a public health issue, bringing more attention to the need for education, research, and support.
For us, this felt like the right time to build something focused on the needs of women in our own community.
Why Community Matters
Some of the most helpful information women receive comes from other women.
A friend recommends a provider.
A coworker shares a resource.
A neighbor mentions a symptom that sounds familiar.
Those conversations often lead women to seek care, ask questions, and learn more about their options.
We wanted women to have access to both. Conversations with other women and information from professionals who work in this space every day.
Our Vision
Our vision is for a Chicago where every woman enters her menopause transition feeling informed, supported, and empowered, equipped with a personalized healthcare team and the confidence to advocate for her longevity and well-being.
That's why we started the Chicago Menopause Collective.
We want women to know where to find reliable information, connect with local experts, and build the support team that works for them.
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