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Recognizing September 22, 2026 as World Perimenopause Day and the month of September 2026 as Perimenopause Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Perimenopause is a natural process and transition phase that leads to menopause, which is a normal physiological transition that marks the end of menstrual cycles; and
WHEREAS, Perimenopause is associated with a variety of physical and psychological symptoms and dynamic changes in emotional, physical and mental health; and
WHEREAS, Experiences with perimenopause differ for every individual who is impacted, and typically begins in a woman’s 40s, although some people begin perimenopause in their 30s;
WHEREAS; The average duration is approximately three to four years, but for some it can last a few months, and can extend beyond a decade with studies finding the perimenopausal period can last up to 14 years; and
WHERES, World Perimenopause Day is recognized during Perimenopause Awareness Month, and both are established to raise awareness, and share knowledge about this transitional phase that many women and people experience; and
WHEREAS, In the United States about 2 million women enter perimenopause each year and it is estimated that 75 million women and people are in perimenopause; and
WHEREAS, During perimenopause, women and people impacted may experience hormone fluctuations that can trigger a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as longer periods of bleeding, anxiety, depression, muscle aches, and weight gain; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms associated with perimenopause can interfere with multiple aspects of a person’s life, and it is estimated that at least 20% of women experience symptoms to an extent that significantly impacts their quality of life; and
WHEREAS, There are disparities among women and people in the perimenopausal stage given, Black women and women of color can experience longer durations of perimenopause, experience more severe symptoms; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ and gender diverse individuals are often excluded from perimenopause and menopause conversations exemplifying the inequalities present in perimenopause education and research;
WHEREAS, Studies have found most women under 40, have little knowledge surrounding perimenopause and menopause, further highlighting the gaps in awareness and education, and emphasizes necessity to expand research and legislation; and
WHEREAS, Bill No. 250849, passed by the Philadelphia City Council, is the first measure at the local level to require reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing severe symptoms of perimenopause and prohibit discrimination based on perimenopause in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, On World Perimenopause Day and during Perimenopause Awareness Month, efforts continue to address disparities and gaps in education, legislation and research that effect millions of women and people experiencing perimenopause; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes September 22, 2026 as World Perimenopause Day, and the month of September 2026 as Perimenopause Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
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