Support Menopause Research and Clinical Training

75 million women in the U.S. are currently in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause, with 6,000 more reaching menopause each day. Yet despite affecting half the population, menopause has historically been under-researched, underfunded, and overlooked within the healthcare system.

Gaps in clinician training are a major part of the problem. Only 31.3 percent of U.S. residency programs offer a formal menopause curriculum, and 6.8 percent of family medicine, internal medicine, and OB/GYN residents report feeling adequately prepared to manage menopause care. As a result, a quarter of women aged 50 to 65 say their doctor never informed them they were in perimenopause or menopause, despite the vast majority reporting symptoms.

The consequences are substantial. A Mayo Clinic study found that more than 80% of midlife women with menopause symptoms never sought medical care, and only about 1 in 4 received any treatment. Another Mayo Clinic study estimated the economic cost at $1.8 billion annually in lost work time, rising to $26.6 billion when associated medical expenses are included.

The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act (S. 4503/H.R. 9090) and the Menopause Medical School Students Education Act (H.R. 9273) would address these gaps by directing $275 million over five years toward NIH menopause research, provider education and training programs, a national public awareness campaign, and Centers of Excellence for menopause care, with specific provisions for rural and underserved communities. Call your representatives in Congress to co-sponsor and support this necessary legislation and research.

Content for this call topic kindly provided by The Women’s Health Advocates.