Hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings aren’t exactly topics you’d expect to see in legislation – but two Michigan lawmakers are ready to change that.

State Representatives Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown) and Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) have teamed up to introduce House Bills 4790 and 4791, a bipartisan effort to ensure Michiganders have better access to education and resources about menopause and perimenopause.

“At 48, I can honestly say I’m living through it myself – sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, and sometimes wondering why I walked into the room in the first place,” said Thompson. “This isn’t just about biology, it’s about real life. Millions of women, including our colleagues, friends, and family members, are going through these changes every day, and it’s time we talked about it openly.”

Steckloff agreed: “Women are juggling careers, caregiving, families, and health – and then menopause or perimenopause shows up uninvited with no handbook. By increasing awareness and access to information, we can help women navigate this stage of life with confidence instead of confusion.”

The lawmakers say the legislation is about removing stigma and making sure women of all ages – and the men who love and work with them – understand what’s happening during this natural stage of life.

“Social media is already full of people sharing their hot flash horror stories, funny memory lapses, and midnight fan-club initiations – when you find yourself standing in front of the freezer at 2 a.m.,” Thompson added with a laugh. “If we can laugh about it together, we can certainly legislate on it together.”

The bipartisan bills aim 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. 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.

“Menopause happens to every woman, but it doesn’t have to be something we whisper about,” said Steckloff. “This legislation makes sure women don’t feel left in the dark.”

House Bills 4790-91 have been referred to the House Health Policy Committee for consideration. Thompson serves as the committee’s Vice Chair.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Reps. Jamie Thompson (left) and Samantha Steckloff recently introduced House Bills 4790 and 4791.