Women's Health Updates — February 2024

This newsletter features information about endometriosis, menopause, and more!



Read about recent developments in women's health as well as SWHR's activities that promote the study of sex and gender influences on health and serve our mission to improve women's health through science, policy, and education.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SWHR ANNUAL AWARDS GALA

Join SWHR for the 2024 Annual Awards Gala on April 25, 2024 as we honor leaders who have significantly advanced women's health throughout their careers. We are excited to host this year's event in the newly renovated National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA). Why does this work matter?

Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Contact Development Director Julie Miller for questions.

SWHR IN THE NEWS

Check out the latest news articles and podcasts featuring SWHR!

The Messenger: "Nearly 2 in 5 Women Consider Quitting Job Due to Menopause" features an interview with SWHR CEO Katie Schubert discussing the recent SWHR EMPACT Menopause survey and menopause wellness at work.

TIME: "What to Know About Complementary Treatments for Lupus" includes a link to the SWHR Living Well with Lupus Toolkit.

HEALTH AWARENESS IN FEBRUARY

AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women of all ages in the United States. Promote women’s heart health and engage in the conversation online using the hashtag #ReadMyLips.

February 2 is Wear Red Day for heart health, February 11 is Cardiovascular Professional Week, and February 22 is Valve Disease Day. Celebrate heart health all February long!

NATIONAL CANCER PREVENTION MONTH

FEB 4: WORLD CANCER DAY

Lung cancer is the second most common non-skin cancer in women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of deaths among women. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of deaths among women.

This month, know your cancer risks and understand your screening options by checking out SWHR's series of cancer screening fact sheets!

FEB 16: NATIONAL CAREGIVERS DAY

Caregivers are any unpaid individuals involved in assisting others with daily living activities and medical tasks, and they can be a spouse, partner, family member, friend, or neighbor. Upwards of 75% of all caregivers nationwide are women.

SWHR has collected the stories of many caregivers to a shine light on their role in the health care system. Watch Carmen's caregiving story here.

LATEST RESOURCES

SWHR Releases EMPACT Menopause Study Bulletin

SWHR conducted the Employee Perspectives and Challenges Concerning the Transition of Menopause (EMPACT Menopause) Study to better understand the workplace experiences of individuals who have entered or completed the menopause transition, as well as those of their coworkers and employers. 

This EMPACT Menopause Bulletin is a collection of the latest EMPACT Study results and based on findings from a survey conducted by SWHR in 2023, which included over 900 respondents across several industries and workplace settings.

Learn more about menopause wellness at work!

Watch the "The Impact of Menopause on Women at Work: A Fireside Chat" webinar to learn tips for creating menopause-friendly workplaces, and the benefits that these environments have for all.

Join the menopause conversation on social media using the hashtag #SWHRtalksMenopause.

SWHR Publishes Endometriosis Toolkit in English and Spanish

One potential cause for frequent and severe pain during and between periods is endometriosis—a chronic gynecological disease in which tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus where it does not belong. 

SWHR created the Endometriosis Toolkit: A Guide For Teens to empower teenagers who have menstrual health questions or are living with endometriosis to better understand their health and navigate their care. 

This is SWHR's first Spanish resource, allowing us to expand the reach of this important health care information!

Share your endometriosis story with SWHR!

Do you have a uterine health or endometriosis story to share? Share your story with SWHR by visiting swhr.org/shareyourstory and you could help inform future resources.

Join the endometriosis conversation on social media using the hashtag #SWHRtalksEndometriosis.

Watch the Friends of the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) Coalition conversation with Dr. Clayton, in "Opportunities in Women's Health: A Fireside Chat Congressional Briefing with ORWH Director Clayton."

Learn more by checking out the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health website.

Learn about the persistent gaps – and opportunities – in tracking, diagnosing and tracking endometriosis in, "Elevating Endometriosis to a Public Health Crisis."

Share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #SWHRtalksEndometriosis.

Do you have an endometriosis health story? Share with SWHR by visiting swhr.org/shareyourstory.

SWHR Updates

• Blog: Congress Passes and President Biden Signs Continuing Resolution to Avoid a January Government Shut Down
• Event Recording: Watch "Opportunities in Women's Health: A Fireside Chat Congressional Briefing with ORWH Director Clayton" to learn more about the work of the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH).
• Letter: SWHR and Partners Send Letter Thanking Sens. Hyde-Smith and Peters for Introducing National Cholesterol Education Month Resolution
• Letter: SWHR Calls Attention to Women’s Health Research Opportunities in Letter to White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research

Industry Updates

• SWHR Chief Advocacy Officer Lindsey Miltenberger represented SWHR and gave remarks about including women in research at the National Academies meeting on the Assessment of NIH Research on Women's Health on January 25, on Women's Health Research Day.

Learn more about SWHR's policy work here.

MAY 6-9: Organization for the Study of Sex Differences 2024 Annual Meeting

The Annual OSSD Meeting will be held in Bergen, Norway this summer. Are you attending OSSD 2024? You may be eligible for the new SWHR Emerging Scholars in Women’s Health Research Award! Apply by the February 2, 2024 deadline.

MAY 29-31: 3rd Annual Healthcare Innovation Congress (thINc360)

The Healthcare Innovation Congress (thINc360) assembles leaders from across health care to learn, network, and collaborate for meaningful progress towards enhancing the access, delivery, and quality of health care. Meet SWHR at the event! SWHR CEO Katie Schubert will be speaking at this event.

Use this exclusive SWHR Promo code to receive 50% off the current registration rates: SWHR. Register through this link.

Transform Our World Through Research: The 2024 Magee Prize, Now Accepting Letters of Intent

Magee-Womens Research Institute announced a call for proposals for its $1 million Magee Prize, which will support a collaborative team whose groundbreaking research in reproductive sciences and women’s health could improve lives globally. Letters of Intent are due February 15, 2024. The prize will be awarded in November 2024 at our Magee-Womens Summit. Find specific information about the Magee prize here.

Flu-Free Motherhood: Navigating Flu Season Safely for Expectant Moms

Congress Passes and President Biden Signs Continuing Resolution to Avoid a January Government Shut Down

El nuevo Kit de Herramientas para Adolescentes con Endometriosis motiva a las adolescentes a entender el dolor pélvico crónico

New Endometriosis Teen Toolkit Encourages Teens to Understand Chronic Pelvic Pain

Study shows only 31% of women feel comfortable talking about menopause at work

Do you have a health story to share? SWHR is always seeking stories about diagnoses, seeking or providing care, and living with narcolepsy, menopause, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, or other conditions or life stages. Visit swhr.org/shareyourstory or click the button to share.

SWHR CEO Attends Interview Between Mika Brzezinski And Dr. Jill Biden

SWHR President and CEO Katie Schubert was in attendance at an interview between First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Mika Brzezinski, which took place during a "Know Your Value" event at the White House this month. Dr. Biden spoke about the new White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research and the need to increase women's health research during the interview. "Research for women's health has been underfunded for decades… We need more research. We need more funding," Dr. Biden said. Check out minute 7:20 in the interview to hear more!