Today we’re sharing two pieces of good news: growing momentum in women’s health, and recognition for what we’ve built at Women Living Better.
We launched the Women Living Better website in May 2018 to raise awareness about perimenopause and to help women understand what was happening in their bodies during this reproductive transition. We couldn’t have imagined how quickly attention to this topic would grow. Women are more aware of perimenopause than ever before. Even better, this attention is now leading to action from government agencies, international organizations, and philanthropists.
Promising Developments Worth Knowing About
Advancing Research to Improve Health During the Menopausal Transition
National Institutes of Health (NIH), Pathways to Prevention (P2P) Program
In April 2026, the NIH held a three-day workshop that brought together federal agencies, researchers, and community members to review the science on the menopausal transition and identify gaps in research. An independent panel’s draft report on future research priorities is now open for public comment through October 30, 2026. The workshop recordings are available online.
Sprint for Women’s Health
Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
ARPA-H has invested $113 million in projects on conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women. One of its focus areas, Prioritizing Ovarian Health, funds research on the short- and long-term health effects of menopause and ovarian aging.
Action for Women’s Health
Melinda French Gates, through Pivotal
In October 2024, Pivotal launched a $250 million global open call for organizations working to improve women’s mental and physical health. More than 4,000 organizations applied. In November 2025, more than 80 of them received grants of $1 million to $5 million each. Pivotal has also named menopause care as one of its priorities.
Women’s Health Research Partnership
Wellcome Leap and Pivotal
In September 2025, Wellcome Leap and Pivotal committed $100 million to women’s health research in areas such as cardiovascular health, autoimmune disease, and mental health. Wellcome Leap is a U.S. nonprofit founded by the Wellcome Trust. The goal is to produce breakthroughs in years rather than decades.
Nuttall Women’s Health
Founded by Amie and Scott Nuttall
Nuttall Women’s Health funds research and invests in companies working to change how women’s conditions are diagnosed and treated. Its research grants of $500,000 to $5 million cover areas that include ovarian aging, musculoskeletal health, and hormones and brain health.
Institute for Advancing Women’s Health (InAWH)
Led by Paula Schneider, former President and CEO of Susan G. Komen
InAWH brings together experts and organizations to close the gap between what science knows about women’s midlife health and the care women actually receive. Its focus is turning evidence into practical tools for clinicians, such as care models, training, and guidance.
Named One of Everyday Health’s 5 Best Menopause Resources of 2026
We recently learned that Everyday Health named Women Living Better one of The 5 Best Menopause Resources of 2026. We’re honored to be in good company. The other four organizations are:
Each organization brings its own perspective and shares it in its own way. That variety matters, because each of us has a unique path to menopause.
We started Women Living Better because too many of us entered perimenopause with no idea what was happening to us. We weren’t told when to expect it to begin or how long it might last. We didn’t know why we suddenly couldn’t sleep, felt anxious, or were so much more irritable. What we’ve built over the years has been possible because of you: the experiences you’ve shared, your responses to our research surveys (and your help spreading the word), and your questions. Thank you!