Houlahan, Bice, Murray, Ernst Introduce Legislation to Research the Impact of Military Service on Menopause
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) reintroduced the Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act with the support of Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA). This legislation requires 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 research 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.
“Every woman goes through menopause—but for far too long, research that would help us better understand and treat the symptoms of menopause has been underinvested in and overlooked. I’ve been working to tackle this problem from every angle so that women can have the information and the tools they need to enter menopause with confidence and get the care that’s right for them, and our women in uniform and women veterans are no exception,” said Murray. “I’m proud to join Rep. Houlahan in introducing this legislation to strengthen research at VA and DoD on menopause and mid-life women’s health—and I’ll be pushing to include it in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.”
“I’m working to enhance collaboration between federal agencies to study and collect data related to menopause for women who have chosen to wear the uniform, which will help us close potential gaps for servicewomen and female veterans,” said Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate.
Research proves that stress on the body often leads to earlier perimenopause, cutting child-bearing years short, and other physical and mental health conditions that impact women’s ability to work. Servicemembers are disproportionately affected due to the high-stress nature of their jobs. This bill will require a report and identification of gaps in health care knowledge and coverage so that DOD and VA can better serve those that serve us. With a fast-growing number of women veterans, this research is more important than ever for the readiness of our armed forces, as well as our work force.
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, engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is serving her fourth consecutive term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. Houlahan is the first female veteran named as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee and is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
