HARRISBURG, PA — The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women hosted a public discussion on Thursday focused on menopause and women’s health, bringing together healthcare professionals, advocates, and community members to address what experts call one of the most neglected areas in modern medicine.
The event, part of Menopause Awareness Month, featured a fireside chat between national menopause expert Dr. Sharon Malone and Commissioner Dr. Sharee Livingston. The conversation explored the stages of menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and the broader need for education and individualized care to improve women’s health outcomes.
“Educational conversations like these are essential to improving women’s health outcomes,” said Ashley Walkowiak, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women. “For too long, menopause has been overlooked in medical research and public dialogue. By bringing experts like Dr. Malone into the conversation, we’re elevating an issue that affects half the population and deserves our attention and care.”
Dr. Malone, a nationally recognized OB-GYN and leader in midlife women’s health, emphasized the importance of open dialogue and evidence-based treatment. “Menopause is not a disease — it’s a natural transition,” she said. “But it’s one that deserves thoughtful medical attention and open conversation. Every woman deserves access to evidence-based care and the opportunity to live her healthiest, most vibrant life.”
Dr. Livingston, a Harrisburg native and advocate for equitable healthcare, said the discussion marked a critical step toward empowering women through knowledge and representation. “We are addressing an issue that impacts women and people in their daily lives, relationships, workplace, and communities. We are showing up and creating actionable change,” she said.
State Representative Ann Flood, who opened the event, added that acknowledging menopause in public health discourse is long overdue. “For far too long, menopause has been dismissed or ignored in women’s health discussions,” she said. “By shining a light on this topic, we’re helping to empower women, inform providers, and create a culture where every woman’s health and well-being are valued.”
A Broader Public Health Shift
The event supports Governor Josh Shapiro’s statewide initiative to advance women’s health education and workplace support for midlife health transitions. His recent proclamation recognizing Menopause Awareness Month calls for expanded access to information, stronger workplace policies, and better medical training around menopausal care.
Public health advocates say this renewed focus could have a long-term impact on Pennsylvania’s healthcare system. Menopause-related symptoms — including sleep disruption, anxiety, and cardiovascular risk — often go untreated or misdiagnosed, contributing to reduced productivity and quality of life for millions of women. By encouraging open discussion and continuing education for healthcare providers, state leaders hope to address gender-based gaps in medical research and treatment.
Experts note that Pennsylvania’s push for awareness could influence employers as well, particularly as more companies adopt wellness policies that accommodate women’s health needs. In the long run, such policies could improve retention, productivity, and health outcomes for women across the workforce.
Pennsylvanians interested in learning more about the Commission’s initiatives can follow the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women on Facebook or Instagram, or join the stakeholder list by emailing women@pa.gov.
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