Press Release 2nd October 2025

Menopause is not a taboo: BIPA focuses on menopause in October and offers numerous services for customers

Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, or mood swings – these are just some of the symptoms women face during menopause. The hormonal transition is a significant burden for most, lasting several years, yet knowledge in our society remains low. Nearly 40 percent of women feel rather poorly or not at all informed – this is according to a BIPA study* on women's health. Among the affected women – aged between 40 and 59 – this rises to 52 percent.

A person with long gray hair and a denim shirt against a light green background. Large pink text reads "Ehrlich gesagt," with smaller text "Eine Initiative von Bipa" in white.

Sujet BIPA Ehrlich gesagt Initiative / Copyright: © BIPA, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

Knowledge about menopause is still low: 4 out of 10 women feel rather poorly or not at all informed.
73 percent of women feel that the effects of hormonal changes on mental health are not taken seriously enough.
The internet is an important source of information but is not always trustworthy – BIPA ensures more awareness with its own landing page and experts.
Menopause focus in October: Information and tips at the BIPA Health Days from October 3-4, a workshop with gynecologist Miriam Mottl at the Wechselweise Menoday on October 19, and a webinar on "Sex in Menopause" on October 28.

"One reason for this ignorance is that menopause is still rarely discussed. In families, among friends, and in public discourse. We want to change that with our women's health initiative 'Ehrlich gesagt' and dedicate the month of October entirely to menopause," explains BIPA Managing Director Daniela Reumann.

The BIPA Health Days will take place from October 3 to 4, during which customers across all stores in Austria can receive valuable information and tips for improved well-being during menopause. In 277 focus stores, information and tastings of dietary supplements that may support well-being will also be offered. On October 19, BIPA expert Eva Paschinger will host a workshop with gynecologist Miriam Mottl on the ingredients and effects of dietary supplements at the Wechselweise Menoday. Products from the BIPA brand BI LIFE can also be tested on-site. Additionally, on October 28, a free webinar on "Sex in Menopause" will be available for interested customers.

Women desire more seriousness

In a comprehensive women's health study conducted by BIPA in March 2025*, a large majority of women, namely 73 percent, indicated that the societal impacts of hormonal changes on mental health are not taken seriously enough. And this, despite the fact that half of our society will be affected sooner or later. Many women, but even more men, still have very little knowledge about menopause, such as the differences between the four phases – premenopause, perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause – how to interpret symptoms correctly, or how to best support the body during these phases. Gynecologist Miriam Mottl supports BIPA's women's health initiative and also advocates for more education on her Instagram channel: "We need to talk openly about menopause – not just with those affected, but in society as a whole. The goal is to reduce fears and show what strengthens body and mind. Prevention is particularly important: Even in perimenopause, starting around age 35, discomfort can be prevented, allowing for a calmer and healthier experience of later changes."

The internet is an important source of information, but not always credible

According to gynecologists (52%), the internet (45%) is one of the most popular sources of information on women's health topics. However, according to the BIPA study, many complain about uncertainty regarding the credibility of information (53%), often finding contradictory information (47%), not understanding medical terminology (46%), or lacking personal accounts from those affected (50%). Therefore, on www.bipa.at/ehrlichgesagt, the Austrian drugstore retailer provides accessible and comprehensible information on various women's health topics in collaboration with experts, encouraging discussion. Events and community activities are also announced on the website – such as the webinar on "Sex in Menopause" on October 28, for which interested parties can register now here. "Menopause is a taboo, and we often still talk about sex in hushed tones. We believe this needs to change, and therefore we want to address two taboo topics – which should not be taboo – openly and discuss them with the community. By the way: We are not just addressing women; men are also warmly invited to inform themselves and engage with us women," concludes Daniela Reumann, Managing Director of BIPA.

About „Ehrlich gesagt“

„Ehrlich gesagt“ is an initiative by the Austrian drugstore chain BIPA that brings women-specific topics into public discourse. It consciously addresses not only women but also men because women's issues concern everyone. The campaign aims not to lecture, but to foster dialogue. BIPA's channels provide information on topics such as women's health, mental load, self-confidence, empowerment, and work-family balance. Webinars, workshops, influencer collaborations, and community offerings continually accompany the initiative. More information at bipa.at/ehrlichgesagt

* For the study, a total of 1,548 people in Austria aged between 14 and 75 were surveyed in February and March 2025. The survey is representative of the Austrian population and was conducted by the online market research institute Marketagent.