BySenators Cleveland, Bateman, Cortes, Dhingra, Krishnadasan, Lovelett, Nobles, Orwall, Robinson, Shewmake, Trudeau, Warnick, Slatter, and C. Wilson

WHEREAS, All people who have menstrual periods will experience menopause at some point in their lives, as such millions of Americans, particularly older women, experience menopause each year; and

WHEREAS, Many women in the United States enter the menopausal transition with little guidance on what to expect before, during, and after their reproductive years; and

WHEREAS, Transgender and nonbinary people who enter menopause face particular challenges due to the lack of relevant research and medical resources tailored to their needs; and

WHEREAS, Menopausal symptoms have the potential to be intense, disrupting daily routines and overall well-being, and can last for several years; and

WHEREAS, The vast potential impacts of menopause encompass a wide range of side effects that may include osteoporosis, oral and dental problems, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, lung diseases, infectious diseases, musculoskeletal problems, urinary problems, breast cancer, defecation problems, genital disorders, special diseases such as eye diseases and hypothyroidism, conditions requiring hormone therapy, mental disorders, diminished cognitive function, sleep disorders, sexual disorders, diminished physical activity, the need for supplement consumption, public health issues, needed additional health education, heightened fall risk, and diminished nutrition; and

WHEREAS, Menopausal symptoms are unique for each individual in duration and severity, and cannot be addressed easily or simply with one size fits all recommendations or solutions; and

WHEREAS, Researchers around the world have found that women's health decreases after menopause, and that more and better education on preventive actions and behaviors could reduce menopausal complications and improve women's health; and

WHEREAS, While the duration of menopause can vary, many postmenopausal women will spend up to 40 percent of their lives dealing with menopausal symptoms; and

WHEREAS, Women of color are more likely to experience menopause early, leading to a 40 percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease over their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, AARP research has found 56 percent of women 35 and older in the workforce say menopause is taboo, stigmatized, uncomfortable, not discussed in the workplace, and can possibly lead to discrimination; and

WHEREAS, The annual cost for those missed work days is $1.8 billion, yet does not account for reduced work hours, employment loss, or early retirement;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate support efforts to provide tools and treatment to improve quality of life and health outcomes for those affected by menopause; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington state Department of Health and the Governor of the State of Washington.