Several members of the SWHR Menopause Working Group attended the event. Pictured left to right: Pamela Price, Rebecca Thurston, Irene Aninye (SWHR), Alicia Grandey, Lindsey Miltenberger (SWHR),
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) joined the American Psychological Association (APA) last week to host “Understanding Menopause: Empowering Women with Knowledge Before 40” on Capitol Hill. The event aimed to bring together researchers, clinicians, health advocates, congressional staff, and others interested in this topic to discuss menopause policy and research and the impact of menopause on health, wellness, families, and work.
After an initial round of networking and conversations among attendees, SWHR Chief Science Officer Irene Aninye, PhD, delivered opening remarks, highlighting SWHR’s longstanding work in menopause and the opportunities to advance science-based policies in this field. Her remarks set the stage for the evening’s main event—a fireside chat between APA President Debra Kawahara, PhD, and Pittsburgh Foundation Chair in Women’s Health and Dementia and Professor of Psychiatry, Clinical and Translational Science, Epidemiology and Psychology Rebecca Thurston, PhD. During the discussion, Dr. Thurston, a previous member of SWHR’s Menopause Working Group, spoke about where she believes society can better support all women during this natural life stage. Here are some of the key points she highlighted:
- Expanding Menopause Research: There remain significant opportunities in menopause research, including the need for further studies on menopausal symptoms, the development of more treatment options, and deeper exploration of the basic science behind the estrogen depleted that occurs during menopause.
- Shifting the Narrative on Aging: Society should work toward highlighting the positive aspects of midlife and aging, rather than focusing solely on its challenges.
- Supporting Women in the Workplace: Greater support is needed for women navigating menopause in the workplace. A Mayo Clinic study estimates that missed workdays due to menopause symptoms cost the U.S. economy approximately $1.8 billion annually.
- Enhancing Clinician Training: Medical professionals, from gynecologists to psychologists, and especially primary care providers, need better training and education on menopause care to ensure women receive informed, comprehensive support and treatment options.
The evening ended with a Q&A, where attendees had the opportunity to ask Dr. Thurston their pressing questions about menopause, whether about hot flashes, how to engage in conversations with friends and family members on menopause, or how federal legislation could play a role in improving women’s health outcomes.
SWHR thanks APA for the invitation to partner on this event. We look forward to continuing in our work to ensure women navigating the menopause transition have the resources, care, and recognition they deserve, ultimately transforming the midlife experience for generations to come.
For additional resources and information about SWHR activities, visit the Menopause health focus area page on our website.