WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) introduced the Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act to require the Department of Defense (DoD) in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to research and study the impact of military service on menopause. This bill would, for the first time ever, analyze any gaps in treatment and research for servicewomen and women veterans experiencing perimenopause or menopause, with a focus on the effect of combat roles, toxic exposure, and on overall mental health.

“Servicewomen and women veterans need dedicated resources and research to better understand the unique way military service impacts menopause. Not only is this a health care issue, but it is also a workforce and family-building issue. Women are going into perimenopause earlier, struggling with debilitating health conditions and being forced to leave the workforce earlier due to medical difficulties from menopause," said Houlahan. "Service members, including those in non-combat roles, face significantly more stress than their civilian counterparts, potentially leading to early onset menopause and other unique challenges. It is essential to understand the health implications through research, not only for the readiness of our force, but our broader workforce as well.”

"I’m committed to improving the quality of life for all veterans. In particular, we have not given enough emphasis to the unique stressors placed upon our servicewomen. This study is an important first step as we examine the impacts of military service,” said Bice.

Research proves that stress on the body, often leads to earlier perimenopause and other physical and mental health conditions and those in uniform are disproportionately affected. This bill would allow the DoD to provide better health care for service women and improve overall military readiness.

This bill comes after Houlahan introduced the bipartisan Maintaining Our Obligation to Moms who Serve Act earlier this year to implement perinatal mental health programs for pregnant and postpartum service members. Houlahan has continued to advocate for women and men in uniform throughout her time in Congress and has made it a priority in the 118^th Congress as the Ranking Member of the Quality-of-Life Panel on the House Armed Services Committee.
 

Read the full text of the bill here.

This bill has been endorsed by multiple organizations:

"Let's Talk Menopause applauds the introduction of the Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act by Representatives Houlahan and Bice. This groundbreaking initiative shines a necessary light on the unique health challenges faced by our service members and veterans as they navigate menopause. Understanding the impact of military service on menopause is crucial for developing tailored support and treatments, ensuring our heroes receive the care they deserve,” said Donna Klassen, Co-Founder/CEO of Let’s Talk Menopause.

"As the population of women veterans continues to grow, it's imperative that the VA not only continues to study our healthcare needs but also takes proactive steps to address them," said Elisa Cardnell, President of Service Women's Action Network. "Military service has a lifelong impact on health, and we applaud the efforts of Rep. Houlahan and Rep. Bice to determine how it may impact perimenopause and menopause."

“Menopause is a natural life stage that all women will encounter. This includes our nation’s service members and veterans,” said Society for Women’s Health Research President and CEO Kathryn Schubert, MPP, CAE. “Yet, as in so many areas of women’s health, we are operating with a lack of information. This new legislation from Representative Houlahan will give us important insights into menopause’s impact on our service members, including how it affects military service and combat roles. It is our hope that members of Congress will work together in a bipartisan way to quickly pass this legislation.” 

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

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