Menopunkapalooza Draws 750 to Challenge HRT Myths and Menopause Care Gaps
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 7
Menopunkapalooza Draws 750 to Challenge HRT Myths and Menopause Care Gaps
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 7
Summary
750 festivalgoers packed Portland’s Crystal Ballroom for Menopunkapalooza, a two-night punk event mixing performances with doctors’ talks on menopause, perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy.
Alicia J Rose launched the festival to fund and film her Menopunks documentary after severe symptoms and friends’ similar struggles exposed how often patients and physicians miss menopause-related causes.
HRT was a central focus because speakers said misinformation from a 2002 Women’s Health Initiative report still deters treatment, even after later research undercut its claims.
Hormone therapy use fell from nearly 30% in 2002 to less than 5% by 2020, while doctors at the festival said menopause remains understudied despite more than 1 million U.S. women entering it each year.
The event framed punk activism as a model for broader change, coming as the FDA has moved to remove black-box warnings and lawmakers push menopause coverage, training and workplace protections.
Punk rockers are fighting for hormonal justice, but what is the economic cost of ignoring menopause at work?
As the push for 'hormonal optimization' grows, what are the overlooked risks of medicalizing menopause?
With FDA warnings on hormone therapy now relaxed, why are so many doctors still afraid to prescribe it?
Menopunkapalooza 2026, FDA HRT Policy Shift, and the Rise of Menopunks: A New Era for Menopause Advocacy and Care
Overview
Menopunkapalooza 2026 was a two-day festival focused on empowerment and education, bringing together people of all ages to foster community and provide valuable resources. Held across two venues, the event featured performances by iconic riot grrrl bands, which reinforced themes of strength and solidarity. Alongside the music, attendees enjoyed a free community resource fair and engaging panel discussions, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue and artistic expression. These educational sessions helped spread important information and encouraged open conversations, making the festival an inclusive and inspiring experience for everyone involved.