It was a sold-out evening at the Harbour Club WestEdge in Charleston as women came together for the first-ever Menopause & Martinis Experience — a fresh and much-needed event created to spark open conversation about menopause and perimenopause.
An Evening of Empowerment and Connection
Founded by Dr. Paula Orr, an OB/GYN and longtime women’s health advocate, the event blended medical expertise with a lively, social atmosphere. The goal was clear: to create a safe space where women could learn, laugh, and share experiences without fear or stigma.
“Menopause affects every woman, but it’s rarely talked about openly,” Dr. Orr said. “This is about breaking that silence and showing women they are not alone.”
Mixing Education With Style
The night was hosted by News 2’s Octavia Mitchell, who served as moderator for the evening’s candid panel discussion. Women asked questions, shared stories, and received expert insight into managing the physical and emotional changes of midlife.
To keep the atmosphere celebratory, the program also featured a fashion show, reminding attendees that confidence and style have no age limit. With martinis in hand, guests enjoyed an evening that balanced serious health talk with fun, fashion, and friendship.
A Movement Beyond Charleston
The response was so strong that Dr. Orr now plans to take the Menopause & Martinis Experience statewide. Her mission is to create a movement of knowledge, empowerment, and sisterhood, encouraging women across South Carolina to embrace this stage of life with strength and support.
“We’re building a community,” Dr. Orr said. “This is about women lifting each other up, celebrating this stage of life, and making sure no one feels isolated.”
The success of the inaugural Menopause & Martinis Experience proves just how needed this conversation is. By combining medical insight, social connection, and celebration, Dr. Orr has launched more than just an event — she’s starting a movement to empower women through knowledge and community. For Charleston and beyond, this marks the beginning of a healthier, more open dialogue about menopause.
