I am one of millions of women dealing with the harsh realities of menopause. Like many, I've found relief through treatments like Biote, a form of hormone therapy. However, this treatment is not without cost, running me $350 every three months — an expense that is not covered by my health insurance. In addition, there are further expenses for necessary blood work, further increasing the financial burden. Health insurance does provide some coverage for estrogen pills, but these can cause liver damage and scarring — an equally distressing prospect. It's dreadfully unfair that insurance companies categorize hormone therapy as an "elective" procedure when menopause is anything but a choice.

In the United States, approximately 1.3 million women annually reach menopause, according to the North American Menopause Society. The expense of treatments without proper insurance coverage presents a significant financial stressor. Menopause treatment should not be an unnecessary financial burden; it should be accessible and affordable for all women.

The disregard for the health and wellbeing of menopausal women communicated by these insurance policies is greatly troubling. We are not elective patients, and menopause is not an elective health condition. Hormone therapies and other menopause treatments should be comprehensively covered by health insurance, allowing all women access to the help they need.

We call on health insurance companies to redefine their policies, taking into account the realities of menopause and the need for accessible and affordable treatment options. Sign this petition if you believe in a world where women's health complications are taken seriously and financially supported by insurance.