{"id":247210,"date":"2026-06-04T13:30:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T17:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=247210"},"modified":"2026-06-05T11:58:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T15:58:18","slug":"men-of-pause-brings-men-into-the-conversation-on-menopause-and-midlife-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/06\/men-of-pause-brings-men-into-the-conversation-on-menopause-and-midlife-health\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Men of Pause\u2019 Brings Men into the Conversation on Menopause and Midlife Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than 60 community members gathered at the Community Health Center in Middletown on May 30 for Men of Pause: A Conversation with Men on Menopause<\/em>, a community event hosted by the UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI) and sponsored by AARP Connecticut.<\/p>\n

\"Men
Men of Pause community event on May 30, 2026 (Photo by Marvin Bowe Photography).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The free program invited men into often overlooked conversations about menopause, andropause, relationships, and the midlife health changes that affect individuals, partners, families, and communities.<\/p>\n

The planning of Men of Pause was co-led by Sana Latrease Cotten, founder of Unashamed, Inc., and Armando Jimenez, founder and chief engagement officer of The Tailored Compass, who also served as the event facilitator, reflecting HDI\u2019s commitment to community-led planning and programming.<\/p>\n

The event is part of HDI\u2019s Menopause Equity Initiative, a statewide effort to expand awareness, improve access to care, and promote informed conversations about menopause and midlife health. Through community partnerships and public programming, the initiative aims to make menopause a topic of shared understanding rather than private struggle.<\/p>\n

\u201cMen of Pause was designed to meet men where they are,\u201d said Jimenez. \u201cMen want to support the people they love, but many have never been invited into conversations about menopause. This was about opening that door with compassion, clarity, and community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Creating <\/strong>a community-centered<\/strong> space for learning and connection<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Men
The event included a screening of The (M) Factor documentary (Photo by Marvin Bowe Photography).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The half-day gathering included a screening of\u00a0The (M) Factor<\/em>\u00a0documentary, a moderated group conversation, expert insights from clinicians, catered lunch by Chef Var, and opportunities for fellowship. Men attended alone and with partners, family members, and supporters, creating an intergenerational space for honest dialogue.<\/p>\n

Jimenez opened the event by inviting participants to approach the conversation with \u201cA.I. \u2013 Authentic Intentionality.\u201d That framing set the tone for a gathering grounded in honesty, curiosity, and shared learning.<\/p>\n

For many, the event offered a rare opportunity to talk openly about topics that are often private or misunderstood, including changes in mood, sleep, energy, intimacy, caregiving, and aging.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wanted to create a safe space for men to ask questions and feel supported in their curiosity whether they talked a lot or a little,\u201d said Trisha Pitter, HDI\u2019s director of community learning and engagement and instructional design specialist. <\/em>\u201cWe saw men leaning in, taking notes, listening deeply, hugging their partners, and recognizing how important these conversations are, not only for themselves and their partners, but for generations before and after them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Expert insights: What\u2019s happening in our bodies?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following the documentary, attendees heard from expert panelists:<\/p>\n