Rep. Sykes, Bipartisan Women’s Caucus Leadership, Urge Investments in Menopause Research and Education

Rep. Sykes, Bipartisan Women's Caucus Leadership, Urge Investments in Menopause Research and Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bipartisan Women's Caucus Co-Chair U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13), along with the other co-chair and vice chairs, have sent a letter to House leadership calling for more funding for menopause research and better provider education in the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill.

Nearly every woman goes through menopause, the natural stage of life when menstrual periods permanently end, usually in a woman's forties or fifties. While it's a normal part of life, menopause can bring disruptive symptoms. About three out of four women experience hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal discomfort, or memory changes.

Women experiencing menopause are an important part of the workforce. When their health is disrupted, it can have ripple effects on the economy. Studies show that menopause-related work disruptions cost the U.S. roughly $1.8 billion in lost productivity every year.

Even though effective treatments exist, many women don't get the care they need. Barriers include a lack of awareness and limited access to providers trained in menopause care. A study of OBGYN residency programs found that only 31 percent of program directors include menopause in their curriculum, despite the fact that nearly all women experience it. Expanding education in medical training would help providers offer better care and encourage innovation in treatment options.

"For patients to receive the care they need for menopausal systems, health care providers must be knowledgeable about menopause and existing treatments to manage symptoms," wrote the lawmakers. "Increasing menopause education requirements for residencies will lead to more informed health care providers, patients, and potentially an increased interest in developing new treatments as a result of this education."

Rep. Sykes and the BWC leadership team are asking the committee to invest at least $5 million in the Menopause Research to Action Network and prioritize provider education. This would expand access to evidence-based treatments and improve care for millions of women each year.

The full letter can be read here.