In New Jersey, efforts are underway to raise awareness about menopause and ensure that women receive necessary care for managing symptoms.
Assemblywoman Heather Simmons has introduced a bill that would require insurance companies to cover all medically necessary treatments for perimenopause and menopause, according to a report from WHYY, a nonprofit organization.
The proposed coverage includes non-hormonal treatments, behavioral health care services, pelvic-floor physical therapy, bone health treatments, preventative services and menopause management counseling. A companion bill would mandate training and education for doctors on menopause-related care.
According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, approximately 6,000 women in the US reach menopause daily. Despite this, there is limited discussion and support available, Simmons said.
For many women, symptoms begin during perimenopause, which is characterized by irregular periods, hot flashes, and hormonal changes.
Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director of the Menopause Society, said menopause is a natural stage in aging that begins when menstrual periods stop and the ovaries no longer produce reproductive hormones. Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause.
“So one might still be getting a menstrual cycle every month, but it’s starting to become irregular,” she said. “[One] may have some mood-related symptoms, hot flashes or night sweats, cognitive decline, people talk a lot about brain fog.”
She also said some women experience few symptoms, but about 80% have hot flashes and night sweats. Other symptoms can include vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms and infections, joint pain, and weight gain.
Dr. Christmas said hormone replacement therapy is one option for treating night sweats, genitourinary symptoms, or early onset menopause before age 40, as early menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis. Hormone therapy is available in the form of pills, patches, creams or gels. The US Food and Drug Administration has also approved Veozah, a non-hormonal medication for hot flashes.
“Other options include certain antidepressants that have been shown to be highly efficacious in reducing hot flashes and night sweats,” she said. “Only one has FDA approval, however, there are others with good clinical data behind them that show that they work as well.”
Weight loss, hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy may also provide relief for some women, according to Dr. Christmas. She noted that while some herbal and vitamin supplements claim to minimize symptoms, randomized control trials have not shown them to be more effective than a placebo.
