Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act

This bill focuses on the health needs of servicewomen and women veterans during perimenopause and menopause. It tells the Defense Department and the VA to review what research already exists, what’s still missing, and which treatments are safe and effective. The review must look at how military service and combat exposures—like burn pits, toxic chemicals, and PFAS—may affect symptoms, and how these changes impact mental health. It also checks whether military and VA doctors have good training on mid-life women’s health and whether women can get the treatments they need.

Within 180 days of the law taking effect, both agencies must report their findings to Congress, recommend how to improve provider training, and lay out a plan to fill research gaps and identify topics for future study. They should coordinate with health officials to avoid repeating work. Congress also urges them to do more research in this area.

Key points

• Who is affected: Women serving in the Armed Forces and women veterans; doctors and other providers employed by the military or the VA.
• What changes: A full review of current and ongoing research, provider training, and access to treatments; focus on links to service and exposures (burn pits, toxic chemicals, PFAS); a plan and recommendations to close research gaps.
• When: Agencies must deliver their reports and plans within 180 days after the law is enacted.