By Aaron Miller-
U.S President Joe Biden has signed a historic executive order that will channel major funds into women’s health, including research on menopause and mid-life health.
The president issued the order at a White House Women’s History Month event on Monday morning, where he was joined by First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former first lady of California Maria Shriver.
The order allocates $12bn to and marks the “most comprehensive set” of executive action to improve research on women’s health, according to the White House.
However, this funding is not guaranteed. Given Congress has the “power of the purse,” lawmakers can move to deny the president his funding.
“So now that the President has done his job, we have to do ours,” Ms Shriver, a journalist, author and advocate for Alzheimer’s research, said at the event
The huge investment by the U.S president follows an analysis of a recent research from UK researchers three weeks ago that mindfulness and cognitive behaviour therapy could be effective treatment options for some symptoms related to the menapause.
But neither the president nor his representatives made reference to the research.
According to the research, meta-analysis of 30 studies from around the world involving 3,500 women going through the menopause found talking therapies were associated with significant improvements in anxiety and depression, and there were also benefits in difficulties with memory and concentration.
All the psychosocial interventions looked at led to medium to large improvements in quality of life, the University College London researchers reported in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has long been the cornerstone of managing menopausal symptoms, recent research sheds light on the efficacy of psychosocial interventions like mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
A meta-analysis conducted by researchers at University College London suggested that these therapies hold promise in alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, depression, memory issues, and concentration difficulties.
It is no wonder Biden has shown an interest in investing in the menapause. He is also believed to be using it as an election promise.
Understanding Mindfulness and CBT
Mindfulness and CBT are therapeutic approaches rooted in understanding and modifying thought patterns and behaviours. While CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns to modify behaviours and emotions, mindfulness emphasizes present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of thoughts and sensations.
Both techniques have been widely used to address various mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to stress management.
Addressing Concerns and Expanding Treatment Options
Despite the proven benefits of HRT, concerns exist regarding its suitability for all women and its potential risks.
This is one of the respects in which president Biden is believed to be seeking research. The integration of mindfulness and CBT into menopausal care provides additional options for those hesitant about HRT or seeking complementary treatments.
Moreover, these therapies offer benefits beyond symptom management, addressing the broader impact of menopausal symptoms on women’s quality of life.
The recognition of mindfulness and CBT as effective interventions for menopausal symptoms marks a significant step towards comprehensive menopausal care.