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Nurses, advocates back H.2499 to boost menopause awareness and provider training
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Summary
Supporters of H.2499 told the committee that perimenopause and menopause are under‑recognized by clinicians and employers, leaving many women with unresolved symptoms; they urged a public awareness campaign, provider education assessment and study of workforce and health plan impacts.
Supporters of House bill H.2499 told the Joint Committee on Public Health that menopause and perimenopause are under‑recognized by clinicians, leaving many women with unresolved symptoms and avoidable health impacts.
"Despite my experience and education as a nurse, when I reached midlife I was blindsided by menopause," said Melissa Calkins, a registered nurse and leader at a Boston hospital, who testified in support of the bill. She described bouncing among specialists until a single targeted lecture provided coherent clinical guidance and access to evidence‑based treatment.
Mary Dith Tuitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women said the commission has heard years of testimony from women reporting missed diagnoses, poor counseling and harmful treatment recommendations. Andrea Giancantieri, who co‑founded a menopause information company after her own experience, described variable clinical advice and long waits for specialty care; she urged provider education on safe transdermal treatments for some patients.
Witnesses asked the committee to endorse H.2499’s recommendations for a public health awareness campaign, review of provider education, and study of workplace and insurance impacts. Speakers framed the bill as modest steps to make clinical guidance consistent and to reduce needless health and economic burdens.
No formal committee action was taken at the hearing; supporters were asked to submit written testimony and data to the record.
