Legislators hear bill to designate October as Nevada Menopause Awareness Month

The Assembly Government Affairs Committee on Thursday heard Senate Bill 297, a proposal to designate October as Menopause Awareness Month in Nevada. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Rochelle Winn, said the designation is intended to raise awareness about perimenopause and menopause and to reduce knowledge gaps among patients and health‑care providers.

"I started experiencing weight gain, issues. I was sweating all the time or it was freezing," Winn said, recounting personal and constituent conversations that motivated her to pursue awareness and education. She told the committee the measure is "just a formal recognition" and does not appropriate funds or create a holiday.

Sue Burch, executive director of the Nevada chapter of the National Organization for Women, testified in support and urged the committee to adopt the resolution. "We're barely taught about when menstruation begins, but we're never taught about how it ends," Burch said, noting that perimenopause symptoms can be misdiagnosed and that cardiovascular and osteoporosis risks increase after menopause.

One caller, Ellen Gifford, testified in opposition, calling the bill "intrusive, offensive, and a waste of taxpayer money," and urged the committee to clarify that the purpose is health education; she also asked for disclosure about any influence from a national group's initiative. Senator Winn responded that the bill "doesn't cost us any money" and that the month aligns with national awareness efforts.

Supporters emphasized the bill is a recognition and education vehicle rather than a funding mandate. No formal vote was recorded at the hearing.