Women’s Health Event in Geneva

MenoPower: Connect, Share, Learn, Thrive - Saturday 24th May 2025

It’s time to change the narrative on menopause!

Join us for the inaugural Anglophone women’s health event in Switzerland focusing on menopause and become part of the MenoPower community – designed to help women* share their experiences, gain insights, and thrive through their menopause journey.

Created as a not-for-profit event, the day will be hosted by HealthFirst Directors and Women’s Health Advocates, Dr Mecky McNeil and Dr Michelle Wright, and consist of a full programme of seminars, workshops, mini-masterclasses, and networking opportunities.

*As well as cis-gender women, menopause can impact trans-men and non-binary people assigned female gender at birth if they keep their ovaries and do not alter their hormone profile. ‘Woman’, or ‘women’, is used here but includes these groups as well.

Download the Agenda

Expert speakers include

Recorded opening address by Dr Louise Newson, globally renowned Menopause Expert.

Dr Rebecca Lewis, Newson Health Founder and Menopause Specialist

Session title: Menopause – The Impact on the Individual and Society

In this dynamic opening session, Dr. Rebecca Lewis will unpack the physiological changes of perimenopause and menopause. Through a compelling real-life case study, gain a deeper understanding of how menopause affects not only a woman’s health and daily life but also those around her. Dr. Lewis will explore effective symptom management and strategies to reduce long-term health risks, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT). An interactive Q&A provides an opportunity for expert advice on menopause care and treatment options.

Click to read Rebecca’s bio

Watch Rebecca’s ‘Meet our MenoPower speakers’ video here

Dr Els van der Helm, Sleep Neuroscientist

Session title: The Power of Sleep

In this session, sleep expert Els van de Helm will explain the ‘magic’ of sleep, helping you understand the vital role sleep plays in overall health and well-being. Learn how to calculate your “Friday sleep debt”, offering a personalized reflection on your own sleep habits. Special attention will be given to the unique challenges of sleep during perimenopause and menopause, with science-backed strategies and tips on how to improve sleep during this important life stage.

Click to read Els’s bio

Watch Els’s ‘Meet our MenoPower speakers’ video here

Liza Engel, Managing Director, Keynote Speaker, and Menopause Advocate

Session title: The Menopause Workplace Shift – Empowering Women & Transforming Workplaces

Menopause is often misunderstood in the workplace, leading women to silently struggle with symptoms that impact their well-being and careers. In this session, Liza Engel will explore how addressing menopause openly benefits both women and businesses, improving retention, productivity, and workplace culture. Learn actionable strategies, hear real-life case studies, and gain the tools to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for your employees.

Click to read Liza’s bio

Watch Liza’s ‘Meet our MenoPower speakers’ video here

Sessions and masterclasses led by the HealthFirst MenoPower Team

Move for Menopause: Physical Activity for Energy and Well-being

Staying active during menopause is key to supporting muscle, brain, and bone health. It can also boost mood, reduce hot flushes, and increase energy.

Join Dr Mecky McNeil and Dr Michelle Wright to discuss the benefits of physical activity and why maintaining muscle mass is so important as we age.

With the help of videos from HealthFirst’s person trainer, Chloe Laureyns, discover how simple exercises done at home, with just your body weight, can enhance vitality during menopause.

Click to read Chloe’s bio

Eat Well, Age well: Balancing Nutrition during Menopause

Join Dr Mecky McNeil and Dr Michelle Wright to discover how nutrition can support a healthy and balanced menopause journey. Learn how dietary choices impact hormonal changes, bone health, and energy levels during menopause, and explore practical tips for maintaining optimal nutrition to manage symptoms and promote long-term well-being.

Click to read Mecky and Michelles’ bios

Mental Health Matters: Managing Mood through Menopause

This session, led by Dr Mecky McNeil and Dr Michelle Wright, explores the often-overlooked mental health challenges women face during menopause. From mood swings and anxiety to depression and brain fog, menopause can significantly impact emotional well-being. The session will delve into the psychological effects of hormonal changes and offer practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being during this life stage.

Click to read Mecky and Michelles’ bios

The Heart of the Matter: Women’s Heart Health and Saving Lives

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in women, surpassing breast cancer? Many heart attacks in women go undiagnosed because they can present differently than in men.

This life-saving mini masterclass is led by Nurse Amanda Gaillet and other expert nurses from the HealthFirst team. You will learn:

The unique warning signs of heart attacks in women
Hands-on practice of hands-only CPR using realistic manikins

Take this chance to equip yourself with vital knowledge and skills that could save a life!

Click to read Amanda’s bio

Mindful Menopause: Yoga and Mindfulness Practise

Join Nurse Christine Blom, HealthFirst Trainer and Educator and certified yoga instructor, for this calming and restorative mini masterclass offering:

Gentle yoga stretches to ease the body
A 5-minute mindfulness practice focused on gratitude

Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, this session is open to everyone. Come relax, reconnect, and leave feeling centered and refreshed!

Click to read Christine’s bio