Today, Reps. Cindy Axne (IA-03) and David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-01) introduced the “Menopause Research Act” to jumpstart research into finding new treatments for symptoms caused by menopause. The bill would create a specific focus on menopause research and mid-life women’s health research within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which has often been overlooked. Additionally, the bill would provide the NIH funding certainty so new, long-term research can be conducted.

“Every day, millions of working-aged women deal with menopause-related symptoms that take a toll on their families, disrupt their lives, careers, mental health and so much more. Yet, there’s not enough information regarding symptom management and treatment to help prevent these disruptions and ensure women can make good, informed decisions for themselves,” Rep. Axne said. “That’s why I am happy to co-lead this bill that will invest in and advance our understanding of menopause and mid-life women’s health.”

“Millions of women in America experience symptoms from menopause every day, yet there is little being done to find new treatments to improve their quality of life,” said Rep. McKinley. “It’s time we take menopause seriously and invest in research to find safe and effective treatments for the debilitating symptoms caused by menopause.”

Background:

Currently, 50 million women in the U.S. are in their mid-life stage of life, between 42 and 58. The mid-life period is the typical age group who experience physical changes caused by menopause. Of this group, 85% report experiencing menopause-related symptoms.

The most widely known treatment for menopause-related symptoms is hormone therapy, which while potentially effective for certain groups of women also has a history of harmful long-term effects such as increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer, blood clots, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

In recent years, research into more effective and safer treatments for menopause treatments has leveled off, and funding for these initiatives has dipped to historic lows. This funding uncertainty hinders any long-term research initiatives, like finding new effective and safe treatments for menopause symptoms.

You can read the Menopause Research Act here.

Original source can be found here.