The following column was published by the Detroit News on Sunday, October 12

Many women in Michigan are going through changes related to their health every day. It’s time we talked about it openly.

Despite affecting roughly half the world’s population and millions of women across the country, there is a lot of mystery and misconception around menopause. For many, the only “education” surrounding it is through social media, shared stories, offhand comments or a biology or anatomy class from once upon a time.

Women juggle careers, caregiving, families and their health. Then, poof! Seemingly out of nowhere, menopause or perimenopause shows up uninvited – leading to changes not just for their lives, but the men who love or work with them as well as their family and friends.

Without adequate information available, many women experiencing menopause are left to navigate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and inconsistent sleep patterns without understanding their cause or knowing where to turn for help. That can lead to unnecessary anxiety, decreased quality of life and increased risk for chronic health problems such as osteoporosis, heart disease and depression.

Silence can lead to stigma and myths can occupy areas carved out by misinformation. Because of this, some view menopause as the beginning of a decline when it’s really just a natural stage of life. Education is a critical way to cut through these narratives. We discuss public health reforms regularly in the Legislature, and more education for women and their loved ones on menopause would provide tangible benefits for people in our communities.

We have introduced a bipartisan plan that aims to provide schools, healthcare providers and workplaces with tools to educate and support women experiencing these changes. Through the legislation, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs would offer a continuing education credit course focused on menopause that physicians may take as part of their re-licensure process. In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services would create a menopause transition awareness education program that would be publicly available on its website for both physicians and residents.

The bills focus on three main areas where expanded awareness can bring results. Millions of women navigate menopause during the prime of their professional careers, but many workplaces are not structured to support them. Many women struggle in silence due to this, as they are fearful of being perceived as less capable or committed due to their symptoms. We can also provide schools with resources and information to dispel myths and include in the curriculum that is already being utilized.

In addition, surveys consistently show that many doctors, nurses and health workers receive minimal training on menopause, which often leaves them ill-equipped to recognize symptoms or advise on treatment options. As a result, women seeking help for menopause-related concerns are sometimes dismissed or misdiagnosed. This can delay effective treatment and reinforce the notion that menopause is something to be endured rather than managed. Comprehensive education for healthcare providers can change this dynamic and improve patient outcomes.

Education facilitates conversation. When people know what to expect with certain significant health changes, they can plan and have confidence. Spouses, children, friends and employers all benefit from understanding what menopause brings, and we’re hopeful we can soon bring these bills to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer so they can be signed into law.

State Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown, serves Michigan’s 28^th House District. Menopause Awareness Month is observed annually in October.