Lesko, Grijalva co-sponsor bill to increase study of menopause

By Kathy Ritchie
Published: Thursday, December 21, 2023 - 1:12pm

Coverage of aging is supported in part by AARP Arizona

Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-Tucson) and Debbie Lesko (R-Surprise)

Earlier this month, two members of Arizona’s Congressional delegation co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to evaluate menopausal studies and support additional research.

U.S. Representative Debbie Lesko is the Republican lead on the bill, which would require the National Institutes of Health to examine the impact of menopause and perimenopause on women’s health.

It also calls on the NIH director to “identify gaps in knowledge related to treatment of menopause.” Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva co-sponsored the measure.

Menopause is still a misunderstood life stage, and it’s estimated that more than 80% of women have experienced menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, depression or anxiety and abnormal bleeding. 

“I’m proud to be the Republican lead on the bipartisan Menopause Research and Equity Act, which requires the NIH to conduct further research on vital components of women’s health. We hope that our colleagues will join together to approve this legislation and provide a brighter future for our daughters and granddaughters," Lesko said in a statement.

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