Menopause: Breaking the Silence and Empowering Change in 2024
Perhaps you’ve heard: Menopause is having a moment. With high-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey and Drew Barrymore stepping into the conversation, this once-taboo subject is now commanding attention. Halle Berry even made headlines recently, shouting from the steps of the Capitol, “I’m in menopause, OK?!” Such bold declarations are more than celebrity antics; they’re part of a significant push to unearth the complexities and realities of menopause in a society that has long brushed it under the rug.
As menopause advocates, we have long been calling for this overdue dialogue, which is crucial for the millions who would otherwise endure the challenges of menopause in silence and shame. The recent surge in public discussions—sparked, in part, by some peculiar campaign trail moments—shows that menopause is ripe for political scrutiny. Notably, a Republican Senate candidate’s baffling comment implying that women over 50 should not vote on reproductive rights underscores the need for the community of menopausal women to assert their voices.
The Importance of Understanding Menopause in Political Context
Bodily autonomy is not solely about pregnancy and abortion; it encompasses a broad spectrum of health issues, including menopause. Women going through this phase have significant stakes in political matters, just like their younger counterparts. They deserve comprehensive conversations about their health, access to affordable medical care, and recognition of their dignity as a fundamental human right.
Moreover, we are not a niche or special interest group; there are 75 million women in the United States navigating perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause. This large demographic demands attention, support, and action from policymakers.
Three Key Issues for Menopause Care
As we head toward the polls, there are three critical issues regarding menopause care that every voter should keep in mind.
1. Equity in Federal Funding for Medical Research
The need for increased funding for menopause and midlife women’s health research cannot be overstated. Current allocations from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveal a startling reality: only 10.8% of its $45 billion budget is dedicated to women’s health. Out of that paltry amount, virtually nothing is earmarked specifically for menopause research. Neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi aptly points out that menopause-specific studies fall under an almost invisible category tucked away within a “subcategory of a subcategory.”
In March, President Biden emphasized the importance of addressing this gap by signing an executive order to create the White House Women’s Health Research Initiative, which includes a call for a $12 billion investment in women’s midlife and menopause studies. Following this, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a $500 million commitment towards women’s health research. Additionally, bipartisan bills like the Advancing Menopause and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act have been introduced, underscoring the growing understanding of menopause as a crucial public health issue.
2. Impact at the Local Level: Down-Ballot Races Matter
The stakes are not only high at the federal level; state and local elections significantly influence the availability and quality of menopause care as well. Public offices, including governors and state legislators, can either bolster or undermine federal commitments. They have the authority to ensure that publicly funded research institutions focus on menopause health. This summer, Louisiana made strides by passing a historic law mandating insurance coverage for menopause treatments. Furthermore, California held public hearings to discuss menopause’s impact in the workplace, and New Jersey has begun establishing an interagency council on menopause.
Every candidate across the country should be called upon to support such initiatives. This is not just a women’s issue; it’s a community issue that affects families and workplaces.
3. The Need for Comprehensive Education on Menopause
Despite the fact that half of the U.S. population will eventually experience menopause, many health care providers lack adequate training to support these patients. A recent Mayo Clinic survey revealed that 20% of medical residents had minimal to no training related to menopause. Alarmingly, only 7% felt prepared to manage menopausal patients effectively. One inspiring bipartisan bill in Congress seeks to fund national education campaigns and advance medical training focused on menopause.
In a promising development, the Federation of State Medical Boards recently committed to providing continuing medical education credits for physicians who participate in the PBS film “The M Factor,” which aims to educate healthcare providers about menopause.
Broader Implications and the Power of the Menopausal Vote
As other reproductive health issues—like access to IVF and hormonal contraceptives—come into play, the ramifications of these policies extend far beyond menopause. Voters who are menopausal, alongside younger individuals on the brink of perimenopause, form a potent demographic. Engaging this group ensures that reproductive health remains a priority in political discussions.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead once declared, “There is no greater power in the world than the zest of a postmenopausal woman.” This zest is not just an emotional state; it’s a clarion call for a robust policy agenda that addresses the myriad needs of menopausal women.
Closing Thoughts
It’s time for us to take action. Women should vote like their lives depend on it—because they do. Empowering the conversation surrounding menopause will be crucial in ensuring that we receive equitable access to healthcare. As we navigate this evolving political landscape in 2024, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to health, dignity, and representation throughout every stage of life.
Jennifer Weiss-Wolf is the executive director of the Birnbaum Women’s Leadership Center at New York University School of Law and the author of Period. Full Stop. The Politics of Menopause. Tamsen Fadal, a journalist and co-executive producer of The M Factor, is the author of How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better Than Before.
