The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause (Perimenopause)

A Community Screening & Conversation

Organized by Maxima Hive in collaboration with Capitol Theatre

Maxima Hive invites you to a special free community screening of The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause (Perimenopause) at the beautiful Capitol Theatre.

From the producers of the groundbreaking documentary The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, this powerful new film continues the vital conversation about women’s hormones, health, and the often misunderstood stage of perimenopause.

About the Film

Following the impact of The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, this new documentary turns its focus to the stage that precedes menopause — perimenopause — a transition experienced by millions of women, yet frequently overlooked in both medical conversations and everyday life.

Perimenopause can begin years before menopause itself. Its symptoms are often confusing, minimized, or misdiagnosed, leaving many women without the information or support they need.

Through a compelling blend of expert medical insight and personal storytelling, the film explores how hormonal shifts influence cardiovascular health, bone strength, brain function, mood, sleep, and sexual well-being. It follows women into doctors’ offices, workplaces, and homes, revealing the emotional and systemic challenges that shape this stage of life.

Featuring respected physicians, researchers, and advocates, the documentary highlights evidence-based approaches that are improving care and expanding awareness. The (M) Factor 2 is both illuminating and solution-oriented — challenging outdated narratives while offering practical paths forward for women, families, employers, and healthcare communities.

Post-Screening Q&A & Community Discussion

Following the screening, please stay for a live conversation:

Hosted by Maxima Hive in partnership with Catherine Walter Coaching

Post-screening Q&A moderated by Catherine Walter, Perimenopause Health Coach:

Lexington local and mom of three, Catherine Walter, NBC-HWC, is a Hormone & Integrative Nutrition Coach, Perimenopause Guide, and founder of the Lexington Women’s Health Speaker Series and the Boston Perimenopause & Menopause Community. Catherine’s mission is to empower women in their 40s and 50s to navigate perimenopause and menopause with clarity, confidence, and community. Through education, connection, and expert collaboration, she is passionate about helping women move beyond confusion and take charge of their health in midlife and beyond.

Featuring two Menopause Certified Providers:

Dr. Maryam Salehpour, MD

Dr. Salehpour is a board-certified family physician and Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She graduated from St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London and completed her family medicine residency at New York College’s St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

After a decade practicing primary care in Massachusetts, she founded Clarity Health & Wellness in Burlington, a membership-based lifestyle medicine practice focused on obesity care, metabolic health, and nutrition counseling.

In 2024, she became a Certified Menopause Provider through the National Menopause Society. Dr. Salehpour integrates evidence-based medicine with lifestyle and nutrition strategies and is especially passionate about helping women navigate metabolic changes during midlife.

Deb Gowen, RN, CNM

Deb is a registered nurse and certified nurse midwife who has worked in women’s health for nearly four decades. She holds a Master’s in Nurse Midwifery from Columbia University, and a BS in Nursing from Boston University.

Sparked by both her personal experience as a patient and her feminism, Deb is deeply committed to providing respectful, safe, and equitable care for women. In addition to attending thousands of births, she has taught OB-GYN at the New England School of Acupuncture, contributed to Rodale Press publications, presented on hormone prescribing at the American College of Nurse-Midwives annual convention, and spoken locally and internationally on perimenopause and menopause.

Deb has been practicing in the area of hormone therapy since 2000, including nine years in her own private practice.

This discussion will create space to:

• Ask questions in a supportive and informed environment
• Gain clarity around perimenopause symptoms and available solutions
• Explore gaps in healthcare and workplace support
• Connect with others navigating similar experiences

About the Collaboration

This event represents a true partnership:

• Capitol Theatre provides the historic and welcoming space for the screening.

• Maxima Hive serves as the official organizer, coordinating speakers, promoting the event, welcoming attendees, and facilitating the overall experience.

• Come with curiosity. Bring a friend. Join us for an evening of education, connection, and meaningful conversation as we continue breaking the silence around women’s midlife health.