November 17, 2008 — The North American Menopause Society has named the University of Virginia's Dr. JoAnn V. Pinkerton president for its 2008-09 term.

Pinkerton — vice chairwoman for academic affairs, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Midlife Health Center at the U.Va. Health System — accepted the post at the society's 19th annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. earlier this fall and will serve until October 2009.
 
"It's with great honor that I accept this role. NAMS is a society of individuals who care very deeply for the health and well-being of women as they age," Pinkerton said. "Their commitment to promoting scientific research on menopause gives women much-needed information and access to resources that can help improve their quality of life."

Pinkerton previously served as chairwoman of the society's Scientific Committee.
 
"There remain many unresolved questions in the field of menopause and decision-making about hormones, selective estrogen receptor modulators and other therapy options," Pinkerton said. "NAMS is providing leadership in educating about individualized risks and benefits of various therapies and options for menopausal women."

Pinkerton has long been an expert and international speaker on women's health issues and is author of the award-winning book "Understanding Midlife Health." A nationally recognized leader in menopause, Pinkerton developed the multidisciplinary Midlife Health Center, which she continues to lead.

The North American Menopause Society is a national, non-profit organization devoted to promoting the health and quality of life of women through a scientific understanding of menopause. It has a multi-disciplinary membership of 2,000 leaders in the field.