Halle Berry, a high-profile actress, recently took her advocacy for menopause research and education to the U.S. Capitol. At 57 and experiencing menopause herself, Berry bravely shared her own journey to combat stigma often associated with this female biological process.
Halle Berry’s Advocacy
Berry's advocacy stems from her own personal experience of misdiagnosis. She was mistakenly diagnosed with Herpes, only to find out later that she was experiencing perimenopause symptoms. This experience has fuelled her determination to improve the state of menopause care in the U.S.
Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act
The legislation Berry is endorsing – the Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women's Health Act, proposes dedicating a whopping 75 million to initiatives related to menopause. The proposed allocation of these funds includes 25 million for clinical trials and research, and the rest would be used for increasing public awareness, enhancing diagnosis, detection, and treatment.
Support from Other Celebrities and Government
Berry is not alone in her fight. Other celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Judy Greer, and Naomi Watts are also heavily involved in supporting menopause-related initiatives. They have each committed to investing in or establishing companies that focus on menopause.
Moreover, President Joe Biden boosted the cause by announcing a federal program in 2021. This program is designed to increase research into women's health, with a particular focus on menopause.
Call for Recognition and Increased Research
Senator Patty Murray is urging the government and Congress to acknowledge menopause as a natural phase of life. Her sentiments are echoed by Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bertagnolli has pointed out a considerable gap in health research for older women and is advocating for more resources in this domain.
Political Challenges
Despite the bipartisan support for the bill, its future is unclear due to the current political polarization and the impending presidential election. Despite these challenges, Senator Lisa Murkowski remains hopeful, citing the pressing need for funding and drawing attention to the historical male dominance in Congress.