A Manhattan state lawmaker has introduced a package of bills addressing the issues women face during perimenopause and menopause, the biological era in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycle ends, and her hormones start to fluctuate. 

It’s a difficult time for women, emotionally, physically and psychologically, because menopause can be accompanied by forgetfulness, insomnia, hot flashes, hair loss, weight gain and heart disease, among other issues.  

State Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, who sponsored the state’s menstrual equity laws, has introduced three bills to address the gaps in both health care and workplace protections for women.

A.5444 would amend the insurance law to cover perimenopausal and menopausal care and treatment.

A.5436 relates to preventing discrimination and increasing awareness around these issues and requires employers to provide employees with information on regulations and rights for impacted employees.

A third bill would require the state to create an information pamphlet for patients with information on the stages of menopause, common symptoms and treatment options.

The bill were introduced after the most recent legislative session ended and have no Senate sponsor at this point.