Generative artificial intelligence and extended reality for menopause awareness and support

Teesside University’s MenopauseXR uses AI-powered VR to enhance menopause awareness, creating empathy, educating employers and healthcare professionals, and promoting inclusive support for menopausal women in workplaces and healthcare settings.

Challenge

Menopause has significant physical, emotional, and cognitive effects that impact millions of working women in the UK. However, there is a widespread lack of awareness and understanding of these challenges, both in workplaces and healthcare settings. Many women feel unsupported, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed, leading to negative impacts on their health, job performance, and overall well-being. The stigma surrounding menopause further discourages open discussions, making it difficult for employers and healthcare providers to implement effective support measures.

Solution

MenopauseXR expands upon the Menopause Reality VR experience by integrating a generative AI-powered Large Language Model (LLM). This enhancement allows users to engage in real-time, interactive conversations with a virtual avatar that represents an individual experiencing menopause. Employers, healthcare professionals, and other end-users can ask questions—such as how to provide workplace support—and receive AI-generated responses based on real-world interview data. These responses are delivered through a lip-sync-enabled avatar, creating an immersive, empathetic learning experience. The feasibility study will evaluate the effectiveness of this AI-driven interaction in enhancing understanding and engagement with menopause-related issues.

Impact

MenopauseXR is a ground-breaking initiative that leverages VR and AI to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and create a more inclusive society for menopausal women.

• Driving workplace inclusivity: by educating employers and employees about menopause, organisations can implement policies and support systems that improve job satisfaction and retention while reducing workplace stigma.
• Enhancing health and safety: awareness of menopause-related symptoms, such as fatigue and cognitive changes, can help employers introduce measures to mitigate risks, leading to safer, more productive workplaces.
• Promoting social inclusion: by normalising conversations around menopause, MenopauseXR helps reduce the isolation and stigma often associated with age-related health changes.
• Advancing gender equity: addressing menopause as a workplace issue ensures women’s health concerns receive the same level of attention and support as other employee well-being initiatives.