Why It Matters
Approximately eighty percent of women experience menopause symptoms, yet only four to six percent of American women currently receive hormone replacement therapy. A review of evidence from 89 studies across multiple countries found that many women encounter fragmented care, with limited access to evidence-based treatment, delays in diagnosis, and inconsistent coverage pathways.
The Senate Special Committee on Aging will examine these issues on Wednesday, September 16, in a hearing titled "Hearings To Examine The Menopause Care Gap In America."
Context
Research published in March identified care models, integrated care, and the menopausal transition as critical areas for policy attention. The Health and Economic Impacts of Menopause report, accompanied by four country case studies covering Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aims to highlight effective work addressing menopause-related needs and identify remaining gaps. The case studies focus on populations with a large share of menopausal women.
A multinational survey study found critical gaps in menopause care, including disparities in treatment access and international differences in patient involvement. Notably, greater access to healthcare in the United Kingdom and the United States did not translate into higher satisfaction, according to the study.
The Hearing
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), chair of the Special Committee on Aging, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the ranking member, are overseeing the examination. Gillibrand plans to call for passage of bipartisan legislation to increase federal research on menopause.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article