Senate Committee Held First Hearing on Menopause
Lawmakers examined research gaps and the impact of menopause on workforce participation for women across the country.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Women’s Health
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Should the federal government increase funding for menopause research and treatment?
The Senate Committee on Aging convened its first-ever hearing on menopause to address significant gaps in federal research, medical training, and care access. The session highlighted the economic strain of symptoms, with one in ten women leaving the workforce due to their health experiences.
Why it matters
The hearing sought to address how hormonal changes contribute to long-term health risks like heart disease and bone loss while exploring necessary improvements in treatment access. By initiating a formal GAO investigation, senators are looking to better understand the federal government’s role in menopause-related health outcomes.
Official hearing data indicates that 30% of the national workforce consists of women aged 45 to 60, with one in ten women leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms. It remains unknown how federal research funding levels will change following the requested government audit.
The players
Senate Committee on Aging
A congressional body that oversees federal policy and research priorities related to the health and welfare of older Americans.
Kirsten Gillibrand
A U.S. Senator who advocated for the GAO investigation into federal menopause research and funding programs.
Rick Scott
A U.S. Senator participating in the effort to request a formal government audit regarding federal menopause research support.
Angela Alsobrooks
A U.S. Senator involved in the bipartisan request for a GAO report on the current federal approach to menopause oversight.
The details
The Senate hearing aimed to bridge disparities in medical training and clinical oversight for menopausal patients. Lawmakers discussed the physiological impact of hormonal shifts, which are linked to chronic conditions including bone loss and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. While the FDA has removed black box labels from certain hormone therapies, state-level policy changes in regions like Illinois, Louisiana, Utah, and California have begun to address coverage and care standards independently.
Timeline
The Senate Committee on Aging held the hearing on September 16, 2026.
Midterm elections are scheduled to occur in November 2026.
Health Landscape
This hearing follows the FDA’s recent decision to remove black box labels from certain hormone treatments, signaling a shift in how medical regulators view the safety of menopause therapies. It marks a departure from the historical lack of federal prioritization, moving toward a coordinated effort to align research and clinical standards.
If you are managing symptoms that impact your daily life or work, it is worth discussing your health history and treatment options with your doctor. Be aware that the landscape of insurance coverage and clinical research is evolving as states pass their own regulations regarding care.
The takeaway
This hearing signals that menopause is increasingly being treated as a priority public health issue rather than a private concern. Patients are encouraged to track their symptom patterns and discuss long-term health risks, such as bone loss and cardiovascular changes, with their physician.
Further reading
For more information on the latest clinical guidance, visit the Women’s Health section.
Live Poll
Should the federal government increase funding for menopause research and treatment?
