There are few taboo topics which underline the power of creativity to drive societal change than the Menopause. While women’s experiences of the menopause can vary dramatically between individuals, the uncomfortable truth is the universal experience of women ageing has historically remained wordless.

While men’s mid-life crises have long been viewed as an opportunity to craft creative messaging to sell an array of products and experiences, when it comes to the menopause marketing has been conspicuous by its absence. 

Organisations such as the Menopause Mandate have been vital in breaking this silence. To celebrate the introduction of the single prescription charge for HRT the organisation is launching ‘The Menopause Mix’ created by Dark Horses. 

The single prescription charge of £18.70 per year for a 12 month supply of HRT marks a major win for campaigners. The move means that millions of women will save hundreds of pounds a year on HRT drugs. HRT is a treatment which uses oestrogen and progesterone to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Dark Horses, which was recently acquired by TBWA\London, has a strong track record in advocating for people going through the menopause and breaking the silence.  Dark Horses was also one of the first agencies to introduce a menopause policy.

The playlist, which is supported by Spotify, Universal Music and Clear Channel, was the brainchild of creative duo Sarah Levitt and Matt Roach. The Spotify playlist contains one hundred songs, which when read in order adds up to an education of the 30 plus symptoms of going through the Menopause. 

With songs such as I Am, by Jorja Smith, A Lady of a Certain Age by The Divine Comedy, Going Through Changes, by Eminem, Menopause by Jenny Talia and Never Saw It Coming by The Jesus and Mary Chain. 

The playlist artwork features a painting by Helen Redman, the artist and lecturer. Her 1992 piece ‘Wiseblood’ was inspired by her own experience of the menopause. 

The campaign will run across social media, outdoor sites, as well as appearing on Spotify leaderboards, radio and podcasts. Patrons of the Menopause Mandate, who include Mariella Frostrup and Carolyn Harris, will also be supporting the campaign by discussing their favourite songs from the playlist to generate more awareness for the campaign. 

Melissa Robertson, CEO of Dark Horses and Director at Menopause Mandate, said: “From my own experience the most relevant part of the playlist for me is Mozey’s I’ve got and Purple Cat’s Brain Fog. Everyone will see their own symptoms in the list though - or those of their partners/colleagues/mums/sisters/friends. As with our previous 'It's Beyond a Joke' campaign, the ambition is to make this tricky topic more approachable and accessible to everyone by using humour to disarm and engage broader audiences.”

Mariella Frostrup, Chair of Menopause Mandate, added: ‘What better way to celebrate the introduction of the prepayment certificate and Menopause Mandate’s first birthday? This mix has something for all music tastes, and be sure to read the playlist out loud and in order. It’s wit incarnate.”

The campaign has also earned endorsements from artists featured on the playlist. Peter Gabriel said: "Until recently all the suffering, treatment and opportunities for menopause were not out in the open. The Menopause Mix is a great idea to use music and humour to bring it out in the daylight, get the information accessible and change attitudes."

Sir Rod Stewart added: “I'm happy to be included in such a stellar line-up, and to support menopausal women.”

The ‘Menopause Mandate’ is a coalition of campaigners who aim to ‘revolutionise the support and advice women receive’ both from the health service and wider society. 

You can find out more about the playlist and the Menopause Mandate here.