Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act
The Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act would require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to evaluate and coordinate research on menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life health as they affect women serving in the Armed Forces or veterans. The evaluation would look at completed and ongoing research, identify gaps in knowledge—such as treatments and safety/effectiveness, the relationship between military service (including combat roles and exposures like burn pits and PFAS) and menopausal symptoms, and the impact on mental health—and assess training resources for health care providers. The agencies must publish separate reports within 180 days, including findings, recommendations to improve training resources, and a strategic plan to fill identified knowledge gaps and prioritize further research. The bill also emphasizes avoiding duplication with existing efforts and coordinating with the Department of Health and Human Services. It expresses a sense of Congress that DoD and VA should conduct this research.
Key Points
- 1Objective: Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to evaluate research on menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life health for women who are in the military or veterans.
- 2Coverage: Addresses completed and ongoing research, gaps in knowledge, treatments (hormonal and non-hormonal), safety/effectiveness, the impact of military service (including combat roles and exposures such as burn pits and PFAS) on menopausal symptoms, and mental health effects.
- 3Training resources: Assesses the availability and uptake of professional training resources for covered providers (DoD/VA clinicians) on mid-life women's health and menopausal care.
- 4Treatments and access: Looks at the availability and uptake of treatments for menopause/perimenopause among service members and veterans.
- 5Reporting and planning: Requires separate reports to Congress within 180 days, including findings, recommendations to improve training resources, and a strategic plan to address knowledge gaps and identify topics for further research; emphasizes coordination with HHS and avoiding duplication of existing efforts.