Focus areas
Through our collective expertise and a multidisciplinary lens, we aim to provide practical guidance and resources to champion best practice in key areas of women’s health.
Reproductive health: Addressing the gaps
Women’s reproductive health encompasses all life stages from the first menstrual period (menarche) to menopause. As the Women’s Health Academy, we aim to improve understanding of physical, sexual, and mental health, supporting shared decision-making between women and their healthcare professionals. As perimenopause is often overlooked during women’s reproductive life cycle, this work helps women understand how changes can be managed to enhance quality of life, and empowers women to seek care.
Menopause: Impact and opportunities
Every year, two million women reach menopause in the United States, and they may spend 40% or more of their life in a postmenopausal state. This period can come with many symptoms that significantly impact quality of life and may also increase the risk of chronic diseases. As the Women’s Health Academy, we champion the dissemination of accessible, evidence-based menopause education to women and frontline providers. We also advocate for a transformation in the consultation paradigm, fostering informed conversations and individualized care tailored to every woman’s needs.
Evidence generation
Women’s health has historically been understudied by research communities, with some exceptions, including the SWAN study. SWAN is a multi-site longitudinal, epidemiologic study designed to examine the health of women during their middle years. Many unmet needs remain, particularly in relation to perimenopause and menopause care.
As the Women’s Health Academy, we aim to:
- Gather real-world experiences of menopause and menopausal symptoms to inform clinical practice and enable individualized care
- Raise awareness of perimenopause and menopause, their symptoms, and how they are experienced throughout a woman's journey
- Challenge the stigma and misconceptions associated with menopause
Visit the following sections to discover the research shaping women’s health: