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

This section states congressional findings on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), including that (1) it is a severe, chronic, often disabling condition affecting an estimated 5 to 8 percent of women and people assigned female at birth of reproductive age; (2) it is characterized by extreme mood shifts, irritability, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, or joint and muscle aches during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, significantly impairing work, education, and daily life; (3) it remains under-diagnosed, under-researched, and stigmatized; and (4) early detection, effective treatment, and increased public and provider awareness are essential to improving quality of life.

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to (1) expand and intensify research on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), including its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment; (2) support clinical trials to develop improved treatment options for PMDD; and (3) ensure adequate representation of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic populations in such research. The section further requires HHS to collect and publish data on (1) the prevalence and incidence of PMDD across populations; (2) the economic and workforce impact of PMDD; and (3) barriers to PMDD diagnosis and treatment. To carry out these provisions, the section authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary for FY2027 through FY2031.

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a public health awareness campaign on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)—a severe form of premenstrual syndrome involving significant mood and physical symptoms—designed to (1) raise patient and health care provider awareness of PMDD symptoms and treatment options, (2) reduce stigma associated with menstrual health conditions, and (3) encourage individuals to seek timely medical care. The section further directs the HHS Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop and disseminate continuing medical education materials to enable health care providers to accurately diagnose PMDD, distinguish it from other mental health and gynecological conditions, and provide evidence-based care; requires coordination with existing HHS awareness, education, and outreach programs; and authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for FY2026 through FY2030.

This section establishes a grant program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) awards grants to eligible entities—accredited schools of medicine, osteopathic medicine, nursing, or pharmacy; accredited public or nonprofit private hospitals; accredited medical or nurse practitioner residency programs; or related training programs for clinicians, allied health professionals, or social workers—to develop, establish, or expand training (including residencies, fellowships, and continuing medical education) for physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, other providers, students, and trainees to improve care, treatment, and management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It directs HHS to expand outreach for such training opportunities addressing primary and specialty care, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management of perimenopause, menopausal symptoms, and related chronic conditions in mid-life women and authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary for FY2027 through FY2031.

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress, not later than two years after enactment, a report on progress made in (1) expanding research on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), (2) improving awareness of and education on PMDD, and (3) increasing access to diagnosis of and treatment for PMDD. It authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary for FY2027 through FY2031 to carry out this section.