Halle Berry Champions Menopause Awareness and Funding on Capitol Hill

Actress Halle Berry took to Capitol Hill accompanied by bipartisan senators in a united effort to advocate for a proposed legislation allocating $275 million towards menopause research and education.

The bill aims to enhance clinical trials on menopause and hormone therapy used to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes.

In a bold move, Berry, aged 57, openly declared her menopausal status outside the Capitol, asserting, “I'm in menopause, OK?”

Her candid statement was met with laughter from the audience, as she emphasized the importance of destigmatizing menopause.

Berry highlighted the necessity of discussing this natural phase of life that affects women, noting the lack of open dialogue even among healthcare professionals.

Earlier this year, the mother of two shared her personal encounter with perimenopause, where she recounted being misdiagnosed by her physician.

At the Day of Unreasonable Conversation summit in Los Angeles in March, Berry revealed her determination to leverage her platform to advocate for women's health, stating, “I have to start making a change and a difference for other women.”

Perimenopause, a transitional phase before menopause characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, can commence as early as age 40 and persist for over a decade.

The average age for menopause cessation, signaling the end of menstrual cycles, is 52, according to the U.S. Office on Women's Health.

Proposed by Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington and Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, the legislative initiative endorsed by Berry suggests allocating $125 million for clinical trials, public health initiatives, and medical research on menopause.

The remaining funds would facilitate menopause detection, doctor training, and public awareness campaigns.

During the bill advocacy, Senator Murray emphasized that menopause should not be stigmatized or overlooked, urging for broader discussions and support.

The bill enjoys the support of 17 senators, comprising a mix of Republicans, Democrats, and an independent, all of whom are women.

The legislative push also aims to prompt more open conversations among doctors, women, and men concerning menopause, a significant life stage universally experienced by women.

Senator Murkowski highlighted the need for increased research funding, suggesting that if men underwent menopause, research into it would have been prioritized much earlier.

Historically, menopause and other health issues exclusive to women have faced research disparities and limited understanding.

Women were notably underrepresented in clinical trials until recent years, with women's health concerns often deemed secondary.

A study in 2022 revealed that women's participation in certain clinical trials ranged from 29% to 34%, citing fertility concerns as a barrier.

President Joe Biden's executive order on women's health research signed in March underscores the administration's commitment to advancing research on women's midlife health and enhancing management of menopause-related challenges.