Advocates Unite at Capitol Hill Day to Advance Menopause Policies Nationwide

On September 22, 2026, the first-ever Perimenopause and Menopause Capitol Hill Day will take place in Washington, D.C. This groundbreaking event will see over 125 advocates from 29 states gather to advocate for critical legislative changes concerning menopause policy. The purpose of this historic meeting is to bring attention to significant gaps in research, clinician education, access to care, insurance coverage, and workplace policies related to menopause.

Organized by the Women's Health Advocates (WHA), in collaboration with the National Menopause Foundation and Perry, this unprecedented gathering underscores the urgent need for action at the federal level.

The gathering follows a timely congressional hearing by the Senate Special Committee on Aging, marking the first of its kind focused solely on menopause. This hearing sheds much-needed light on the existing disparities in menopause research and care, galvanizing support for policy advances.

Bridging Gaps in Menopause Care

Supporters will meet with lawmakers and their staff to stress the importance of investing in menopause-related research and clinician education. With the aim to enhance evidence-based care accessibility, advocates are pushing for better insurance coverage and reimbursement policies, as well as necessary support in workplaces. As Liz Powell, Esq., MPH, Founder of Women's Health Advocates, states, “This first-ever Capitol Hill Day is bringing advocates to Washington to push for greater research investment, more education, improved access and coverage, and policies that finally recognize menopause as a national health priority.”

The lineup for the Congressional Briefing at 12 p.m. in the Dirksen Senate Office Building is notably impressive, featuring speakers like Claire Gill, the Founder and President of the National Menopause Foundation, and Sharon Malone, M.D., the Chief Medical Officer of Alloy Health. Other prominent experts will follow suit to illuminate the pressing concerns surrounding women's menopause experiences.

Focus on Women's Health

“Perimenopause is a years-long transition that every individual born with ovaries will experience, yet too many women enter this phase unaware and unprepared,” emphasizes Dr. Malone. This sentiment resonates with advocates who feel that both legislators and healthcare systems need to prioritize women's health through education and enhanced access to treatments.

Claire Gill echoes this sentiment by stating, “Menopause is not a single moment; it's a transition that can span decades, and women deserve support at every stage of it.” This year's briefing broadens the scope from perimenopause to encompass the full menopause journey, further illustrating what women require from policymakers.

Initiated in February 2025, Women's Health Advocates stands as a unique bipartisan lobbying organization advocating for women's health issues at both federal and state levels. With representatives across all 50 states, WHA aims to transform lived experiences and scientific facts into tangible education and policy advocacy.

Media representatives interested in covering the Congressional Briefing or speaking with involved advocates can reach out to the WHA media team for arrangements.

Moving Forward

Inspired by their mission, advocates believe that elevating awareness around menopause issues is crucial, but the next step must involve real legislative action. With the rise of the aging population and the significant number of women who experience menopause, the need for coordinated efforts to address their healthcare should not be ignored. The Capitol Hill Day aims to change that narrative, ensuring that menopause receives the attention and resources it urgently needs as a vital public health concern.