The Hampshire-Franklin Commission on the Status of Women and Girls advocates for the needs of women and girls in our community. As part of this mission, the commission asks for your support of Bill H.2499, “An Act pertaining to women’s health at midlife and public, medical and workplace awareness of the transitional stage of menopause and related chronic conditions.”

For more than half the population of the commonwealth, menopause is not a question of “if” but “when.” Despite this, many women and non-binary individuals enter menopause with little to no clinical guidance. A study published in the Journal of the Menopause Society found that just 30% of obstetrics and gynecology residency programs include menopause training, exposing a critical gap in health care providers’ education on menopause. This gap is especially concerning given the disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic women, who tend to experience menopause earlier, with more intense symptoms for a longer period of time.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of women aged 55 and older in the workforce has nearly tripled since 1980. However, workplace systems have not evolved to meet the needs of this expanding demographic. Many struggle to manage menopause symptoms at work, such as hot flashes, fatigue, and cognitive disruptions. For some, symptoms like depression, anxiety, and memory loss can persist for years. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aims to provide reasonable accommodations for medical conditions in the workplace.

However, many people experiencing menopausal symptoms are unaware of the accommodations, if any, their employers can provide. In fact, a survey of more than 8,000 women globally found that up to 40% of women report that menopause symptoms interfere with their work, and 15% of women say they have left or considered leaving the workforce because of their symptoms.

Bill H.2499 aims to address these shortcomings by:

1. Increasing public and clinical awareness by creating and distributing educational materials for patients and health care providers on menopause symptoms, related conditions, and available treatments, and by launching public awareness campaigns through various media channels.

2. Enhancing medical education and training by requiring the Board of Registration in Medicine to assess and improve continuing medical education on menopause and women’s midlife health, and by funding grants to train physicians and medical trainees in diagnosing and managing menopause-related symptoms and conditions.

3. Promoting evidence-based clinical practices by supporting the development of academic programs and research initiatives focused on menopause care and chronic condition management.

4. Studying the impact of menopause in the workplace by mandating a statewide study on how menopause affects workforce participation and evaluating employer policies and benefits related to menopause care.

5. Establishing workplace best practices by publishing recommendations for employers to better support peri and postmenopausal employees through benefits, an inclusive workplace culture, and educational programs.

This bill represents a vital investment in the health and well-being of those experiencing menopause. It will help to ensure that current and future generations are better equipped to navigate this life stage with confidence, care, and support. By advancing education, improving medical care, and promoting workplace policies that reflect the realities of menopause, we can foster a culture that upholds dignity and respect. Menopause should never be a source of shame or silence, it is a natural, biological process that deserves understanding, openness, and effective management.

Supporting this bill is an investment in the future well-being of millions of women, families, and communities. Reach out to your local representatives and let them know you support this bill.

Olivia Laramie and Tory Edwards, on behalf of the Hampshire-Franklin Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.