Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Awareness and Research Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 8160

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-30: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-06-25T08:08:42Z

AI-Generated Summary

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Awareness and Research Act of 2026 (H.R. 8160)

Purpose

The legislation aims to expand research, improve public and provider awareness, and increase access to diagnosis and treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a severe condition affecting 5-8% of women and people assigned female at birth during reproductive years. It addresses PMDD's under-diagnosis, under-research, and stigma through targeted federal actions.

Key Provisions

• Research Expansion (Sec. 3): Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), via the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to intensify PMDD research on causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments; support clinical trials; ensure diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic representation; and collect data on prevalence, economic impacts, and barriers. Authorizes necessary appropriations for FY 2027-2031.
• Awareness and Education Campaign (Sec. 4): Requires HHS to launch a public campaign to raise awareness of PMDD symptoms and treatments, reduce stigma, and promote early care-seeking. Provides continuing medical education for providers on diagnosis and distinguishing PMDD from other conditions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2026-2030.
• Training Grants (Sec. 5): Awards grants to accredited schools, hospitals, and programs to train physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others in PMDD care. Expands outreach for training in women's mid-life health, including perimenopause and menopause-related issues. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2027-2031.
• Reporting Requirement (Sec. 6): Mandates an HHS report to Congress within 2 years on progress in research, awareness, and access. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2027-2031.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces new specific mandates and funding authorizations for PMDD, which lacks dedicated federal focus previously.
• Builds on but does not amend existing HHS programs; instead, coordinates with them and adds PMDD-targeted initiatives in research, education, surveillance, and training.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases workload and funding needs for HHS (NIH, Health Resources and Services Administration) to conduct research, campaigns, grants, and reporting.
• Citizens: Improves diagnosis, treatment access, and quality of life for PMDD-affected individuals (estimated millions); reduces stigma and workforce disruptions from symptoms like severe mood shifts and physical pain.
• International Relations: None directly addressed.

Main Stakeholders

• Individuals with PMDD: Primary beneficiaries through better research and care.
• Healthcare Providers and Trainees: Gain education, training, and tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Researchers and Institutions: Receive funding for studies and clinical trials.
• HHS Agencies: Responsible for implementation.
• Bipartisan Congressional Sponsors: Over 20 representatives from diverse districts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Funding Mechanism: Authorizes appropriations ("such sums as necessary") but does not allocate specific dollars, requiring future budget approvals.
• Health Equity: Emphasizes diverse population inclusion, aligning with broader federal equity goals without creating new entitlements.
• No Major Constitutional Issues: Falls under Congress's spending power for public health; promotes evidence-based care without mandating private actions.
• Political Context: Bipartisan introduction signals broad support for women's health issues, potentially advancing menstrual disorder recognition.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

Cosponsors (29)

Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-30: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-03-30: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-30: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Awareness and Research Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-30 — PDF (7 pages)