Committee advances bill to study menopause education and clinical practice

Assemblymember Wayne presented AB 360 for Assemblymember Pappin, saying the bill seeks a comprehensive review of physician education, training and practice related to menopause and recommended state policies to improve care.

Allison Lewin, a menopause coach who testified in support, said she suffered years of untreated symptoms and left a high-paying job before finding effective care. "My doctors never prepared me for what to expect, and I suffered for years with physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms before finally receiving effective treatment," Lewin said.

Jennifer Snyder of California Life Sciences told the committee that only a small share of women experiencing menopause receive evidence-based treatment and that the report required by AB 360 would identify gaps in training and practice across regions and specialties.

A number of advocacy groups, medical societies and individuals spoke in favor; the California Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists indicated they removed prior opposition after the author accepted amendments. The bill was passed as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.