The Center for Health, Awareness, and Research on Menopause (CHARM) bridges critical gaps in knowledge and healthcare during this pivotal stage of life. Leveraging UIC’s integrated academic health enterprise, including one of the nation’s largest medical schools and most prestigious Departments of Medical Education, the Center addresses critical gaps in medical training, research, and global data. Drawing on international expertise in menopause research, cutting-edge AI technology, and a mission based in health equity, the Center empowers women from all sectors of society with information and tools to not only navigate the menopause transition but also enhance their overall health and quality of life for the long term.
Addressing the menopause care crisis is crucial, particularly as women spend 32% of their lives in lower-income countries and up to 45% in higher-income countries dealing with the repercussions of menopause. The urgency of this issue is underscored by projections that 76% of menopausal women will reside in low- and middle-income countries by 2030, where resources are already scarce.
Most women navigate menopause without adequate medical guidance, largely due to a lack of training among generations of physicians and healthcare providers. This significant gap in menopause care has far-reaching consequences for women’s health, both during menopause and in later years. Menopause is not a fleeting experience to be endured; the loss of estrogen impacts nearly every organ in the body, critically affecting cardiovascular, cognitive, bone, metabolic, and gynecological health. Proper screening and intervention are essential to prevent chronic diseases and promote optimal health as women age.
Symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and depression can persist for years after menopause, severely affecting women’s well-being, and in turn have cascading effects on families, employment and overall societal health. Additionally, Black, Hispanic, lower-income women, and trauma survivors bear a heavier symptom burden. Untreated menopause symptoms drive healthcare costs up by 33% and contribute to an estimated $1.8 billion in workforce productivity losses annually in the United States.
Mission and Vision Heading link
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Mission
To transform menopause care for all women through research, comprehensive clinical care, and advanced training for physicians, with trusted, evidence-based information and digital health tools to promote women’s long-term health. -
Vision
Every woman has access to quality menopause care and the knowledge they need to navigate and thrive through the menopause transition.
In the News Heading link
- January 2024: Pauline Maki received a visit from the First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden and actress Halle Berry at the University of Illinois Chicago.
- August 2024: Pauline Maki and Halle Berry appear on GMA to answer questions and raise awareness around menopause.
- May 2024: Menopause Care and MidLife Women’s Health Act
- Professor Pauline Maki was awarded the 2023 Health Education Visionary Award from the Society for Women’s Health Research.
- November 2023: How Menopause Changes the Brain
- August 2021: Dr. Pauline Maki in the New York Times “We Need to Know How Menopause Changes Women’s Brains”
- July 2022: Are Your Hot Flashes Making You Foggy? Forgetful? with Dr. Pauline Maki
- Menopause and Brain Fog with Dr. Pauline Maki, With All Due Respect! by Amanda Thebe
- She-suites: Dr. Jodi talks with Dr. Pauline Maki about her groundbreaking research on menopause and its effects on cognition.