09/18/2026
Yesterday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers held the very first congressional hearing on menopause. Ever. Somehow, an experience that will impact 50% of the population has never had the Senate floor in quite this way before. The panel of experts used the platform to advocate for more federal research funding for menopause.
Dr. Suzanne Silverman Fenske, an OB-GYN and menopause specialist, discussed the need for more research on how to treat the cascade of symptoms and health risks associated with the onset of menopause, including heart disease. She also sought better training for medical residents on how to help women in midlife. This comes at a time when almost one in three women in the US over 40 experience severe menopause symptoms, even though more than 80% don’t seek medical care. This can cause women to scale back at the height of their careers, when they have the greatest earning potential, ultimately leading to $5.4 billion in economic loss per year.
This kind of national attention is a step in the right direction. More awareness can lead to more research, better treatments, and better care for millions. Menopause can significantly impact a woman’s health, career, and daily life. Women deserve to be heard, taken seriously, and given the support they need to thrive through it. for the video
