AUGUSTA – Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, presented legislation at a public hearing before the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, on Friday that would equip those who menstruate with the knowledge they need to navigate menopause effectively and make informed decisions about their bodies and health.
LD 1079 would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to work with healthcare providers – including obstetricians, gynecologists and primary care physicians – as well as community-based health programs and hospitals, to develop comprehensive education materials about perimenopause and menopause. These resources will address symptoms, physical and emotional changes, treatment options and long-term health considerations associated with these transitions.
“When we educate people about perimenopause and menopause, we empower them with knowledge that reduces anxiety and builds confidence,” said Cloutier. “Many individuals, including myself, feel blindsided by symptoms they don’t recognize or understand, often suffering in silence for years before seeking help. By normalizing conversations about menopause and providing accurate information, we can help ensure that Mainers approach this transition with preparedness rather than confusion or fear.”
During the public hearing, the committee heard testimony from Oscar award-winning actress Halle Berry, a vocal advocate for women's health and empowerment, who shared her personal journey and spoke to the critical need for better understanding and resources on the topics of perimenopause and menopause.
According to data collected by AARP, 80% of graduating internal medicine residents did not feel competent to discuss or treat menopause. Only 20% of OB/GYN residencies offer menopause training and half of all U.S. OB/GYN residencies thought they needed more education on menopause medicine. Additionally, it is estimated that 85% of perimenopausal and menopausal people experience symptoms that impact their quality of life, but only 60% seek clinical help, while 75% of people subsequently go untreated.
The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on these bills in the coming weeks.
Rep. Kristen Cloutier is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents House District 94, which includes part of her hometown of Lewiston. She is the House chair of the Taxation Committee and serves as a member of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Cloutier) | 305-965-2744