The M Tick: A Symbol of Liberation, Not Limitation

In the realm of wellness, self-care, and personal choice, there are moments when a symbolic gesture can carry immense weight.

One such emblem, the 'M' tick symbolising products specific to the needs of women going through menopause, has sparked a wave of dialogue, praise, and criticism.

As it was announced that supermarket giant Tesco were to carry Meno-friendly products down a dedicated aisle - the move was met with condemnation from well-known GP's, healthcare provider's and journalists, who accused Tesco of making money out of misery to maximise their profits. 

I personally couldn't disagree more. 

Elle Sera was the very first brand to adopt the 'M' tick and I stand in defense of this insignia not as a marketing gimmick, because I certainly don't view my brand in this way, but as a crucial step in acknowledging and addressing the needs of a vast demographic.

Menopause is an underrepresented milestone in women's lives, and the menopause symbol reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards inclusivity and proactive health choices. But beyond its controversy, there is a deeper narrative of empowerment and support that the 'M' tick represents.

Understanding Menopause Beyond the Stigma

For decades, women have navigated this phase silently, often without access to the tailored support and information that could alleviate the myriad of symptoms. The 'M' tick, rather than being another divisive marketing ploy, serves as a beacon, directing women to allies in their health and well-being.

What's more, the initiative for the 'M' tick wasn't the brainchild of some money-grabbing conglomerate, but it was spearheaded by two frustrated menopausal women, Heather Jackson and Samantha Simister from Gen M,  who demanded a better menopause experience not only for themselves but for all women. 

At its core, this symbol is an acknowledgment that menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience. I'll say that again for the fixated HRT dictator's - menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Women need choice.

The symbol embodies the critical need for personalised care and individual recognition within the broader treatment frameworks. It signifies a shift from hushed tones to open conversations, paving the way for evidence-based discussions and the development of products that genuinely respond to the needs of menopausal women.

In Defense of Choice and Visibility

The critics have decried the symbol as a commercial push and accuse brands of 'Meno-washing' but I truly believe it's more a feat of visibility and choice. The presence of the 'M' tick doesn't imply that other products and treatments are inferior, but it signposts ladies to these offerings which are designed with a specific life stage in mind.

Women undergoing menopause are often battling a neuroendocrine biological war, marked by symptoms that can severely impact their quality of life. I don't know about you, but I see the access to a range of specialised products, identified by the 'M' tick, as a welcome respite amidst the storm.

This symbol is a guidepost, not a gatekeeper, leading to a world of wellness tailored to their circumstances.

Shifting the Paradigm: From Menace to Menopause

After seeing the disputes over on LinkedIn, it made me realise that the unveiling of the 'M' tick and the debate surrounding it, encapsulates a pivotal point in women's health advocacy. No matter if you are for or against, it's a great conversation to have. It challenges entrenched biases and the age-old adage of suffering in silence. By promoting products that alleviate menopausal symptoms, it heralds a new era of acceptance and consideration for a phase that is as normal as it is transformative.

And for me, the hope lies in the ripple effect, where partners, children, employers and society at large all understand the menopause better. 

As the 'M' tick gains traction, it has the power to influence a broad array of industries, underscoring the necessity for inclusivity in product development. When a woman on the cusp of menopause can walk into a store and find items that make her transition more comfortable—thanks to the 'M' tick—she's not just buying a product; she's shedding a layer of the historical hush shrouding her experience.

The 'M' tick really is a compass, not a commercial coin.