"The Endocrine Society is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the Assessment of NIH Research on Women's Health and we sincerely appreciate the Committee’s work on this important project. Founded in 1916, the Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Our membership of over 18,000 includes many NIH-funded scientists who are advancing women’s health through biomedical research. Our members’ expertise helps us understand, treat, and cure many conditions that only affect women such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis, and menopause; and those that disproportionately impact women or that affect women differently such as thyroid disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and infertility. We also count among our members basic scientists who study estrogen and progesterone receptors and central mechanisms that control reproduction. Collectively, we are dedicated to improving women’s health across the life course through the discovery and application of scientific advancements to patient care. Our comments address topics that span the missions and objectives of all Institutes and Centers (ICs) at NIH, and our belief that a comprehensive approach to Women’s Health requires strategic planning, coordination, and investment across all ICs. In our comments, we define women’s health as pertaining to individuals that identify as women, and/or have female reproductive organs, and/or produce or use gonadal hormones commonly associated with the female sex, from in utero development to death."
